Ben Cleveland has found a new home. Days after getting waived by the Ravens, the offensive lineman has signed with the Chargers practice squad, per the team. To make room, the Chargers have released safety Marcus Maye.
Cleveland served as a rotational offensive lineman after he was selected by the Ravens in the third round of the 2021 draft. He started seven of his 64 appearances for Baltimore, appearing in 673 offensive snaps across five seasons. He also had a consistent special teams role.
The veteran was limited to only three offensive snaps in 10 games to begin the 2025 campaign before he was hit with a three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy. Instead of activating the 27-year-old back to the active roster, the Ravens opted to waive him instead.
Cleveland passed through waivers and has now landed with a playoff team. With Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater sidelined, the Chargers offensive line has struggled mightily this season. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, the team has shuffled through 29 different OL combinations, the third-most in the NFL. A player with Cleveland’s experience will provide some extra depth, but the team surely won’t turn to a newcomer ahead of a playoff game.
A former Jets second-round pick, Maye has spent parts of the past two seasons in Los Angeles. He made four appearances for the team in 2024, compiling 12 tackles and an interception. He joined the Chargers practice squad in December and was promoted for their season finale.