The Jacksonville Jaguars re-signed one of their own just before free agency opens next week, as they locked down offensive guard Ezra Cleveland for three more years with $14.5 million guaranteed, according to Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports’ top NFL insider. The total value of the contract extension is $28.5 million, by NFL Media.
The Jaguars acquired Cleveland from the Minnesota Vikings at the trade deadline last season for a sixth-round pick. He played in nine games for Jacksonville, starting in five. Cleveland was originally selected by the Vikings with the 58th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Boise State, and he started in 49 of 53 games played for the Vikings before being dealt to the AFC.
Cleveland was Pete Prisco Free Agent #98 in this class, but the Jaguars wouldn’t let him hit the open market. He’s a versatile interior offensive lineman who even played a left tackle role last year. Keeping quarterback Trevor Lawrence straight and healthy is a key goal for Jacksonville’s future. In 2023, he suffered a knee sprain, high ankle sprain, concussion and shoulder injury. Lawrence only missed one game, but his play suffered down the stretch. The former No. 1 overall pick turned the ball over 10 times in the last four games, which was the most in the NFL during that span.