The Jacksonville Jaguars made it clear that they wanted to become an even tougher team in the trenches when they drafted offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon in Round 3. While the rookie hog mollie has his work cut out for him, he's talented enough to potentially challenge Patrick Mekari for the starting job at right guard. That said, Mekari shouldn't be the only veteran watching his back.
It hasn't been discussed nearly enough, but Pregnon lined up at both guard spots at Oregon, so he could also compete with left guard Ezra Cleveland.
Jaguars rookie Emmanuel Pregnon could make Ezra Cleveland expendable
The Jaguars traded for Ezra Cleveland at the 2023 deadline to shore up the left guard spot because it was a roster void at the time. However, he wasn't able to hit his stride because he dealt with injuries. Expected to put it all together in 2024, the former Boise State Bronco once again left a bit to be desired. It wasn't until head coach Liam Coen and his staff arrived last year that he hit his stride, posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 69.7 while giving up a manageable four sacks.
After his strong 2025, Cleveland shouldn't, in theory, be at risk of losing his job. However, there are a few reasons Jacksonville could roll with Emmanuel Pregnon or even sophomore Wyatt Milum at left guard next season.
For starters, Cleveland signed a three-year deal in 2024. He's entering the last year and is scheduled to become a free agent in 2027. He could stay at left guard while Pregnon and Milum work on his craft, with the expectation that either one will take over next year.
But the franchise could speed up the timeline if Pregnon or Milum show enough promise in training camp. And that's the thing, if they make an impression, Jacksonville may decide to trade Cleveland while his value is high instead of letting him walk next season in return for nothing.
Why would the Jaguars move on from Ezra Cleveland?
Outright releasing Ezra Cleveland wouldn't make sense unless he struggles mightily in training camp, and that's not likely. But if a team was willing to give up a fifth or a fourth round for him, maybe the Jaguars should consider it.
Trading Cleveland after June 1st would leave just $2.2 million in dead money in 2026 and $5.2 million next year, but Jacksonville would free up $9.2 million in space. That extra cash could, in turn, allow general manager James Gladstone to keep re-signing players who are seemingly part of the team's plans.
After locking up Travon Walker to a four-year extension worth $110 million, wide receiver Parker Washington, safety Antonio Johnson, and tight end Brenton Strange have expiring contracts. The Jags would have better odds of signing at least one of them by trading Cleveland and getting cap relief.
Of course, this scenario would only be possible if Emmanuel Pregnon makes an impact from the get-go. Otherwise, they wouldn't have an incentive to move on from Ezra Cleveland until next year.
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