The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't make any meaningful additions to the offensive line in the offseason outside of rookie Emmanuel Pregnon. However, they could still make a handful of changes up front. One of them could involve left guard Ezra Cleveland.
Cleveland is coming off his best season with the Jags but is entering a contract year. With Pregnon and sophomore Wyatt Milum, the seventh-year veteran may need to look over his shoulder or risk losing his job before the regular season.
What has Ezra Cleveland done during his stint with the Jaguars?
Ezra Cleveland was a second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. He became a starter as a rookie, but lost his job to injuries in 2023. At the time, the Jaguars needed help at left guard, so they sent a sixth-rounder to Minneapolis in exchange for the former Boise State Bronco.
In Jacksonville, Cleveland had trouble hitting his stride, as he was dealing with a foot injury. He didn't fare much better in 2024, and it wasn't until 2025 that he played up to his talent, giving up a solid four sacks and 26 total pressures.
Cleveland is now entering a contract year, and it's hard to tell whether the Jags want to bring him back. While they have already locked up fixtures such as tight end Brenton Strange and defensive end Travon Walker, there are no reports that they've started negotiations with him or his camp.
Could the Jaguars move on from Ezra Cleveland?
You want to have as much depth as you can, especially in the trenches. Head coach Liam Coen has talked about how injuries depleted the offensive line when he was with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. He surely doesn't want to go through the same situation in Jacksonville, and heading into the 2026 season, the Jaguars are in good shape.
Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Mekari are the incumbents at left and right guard, respectively. Veteran Chuma Edoga is still around, while Emmanuel Pregnon and Wyatt Milum will try to compete for a starting job next season.
Cleveland is set to make $11.4 million in 2026, but releasing him would free up $9.2 million in space. That's enough to at least consider the possibility of moving on from him. Granted, keeping him around also makes sense, as the Jags want to have insurance in case the injury bug strikes.
But if either Pregnon or Milum flashes in training camp, it may make sense to pave the way for them. On the other hand, Cleveland won't give up his job without a fight, and there's a strong chance that he'll hold off his younger counterparts. If that's the case, Jacksonville is better off holding on to him.
Cleveland could easily keep his starting job in 2026, boost his stock, and hit the open market next season. But even if he has a strong year, the Jaguars could afford to let him walk, like they did with running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd, as they would have his potential heir apparents ready to step in his place.
Regardless of when it happens, it's hard to see Ezra Cleveland staying in Duval beyond 2026. If he stays next season, though, it's because the Jaguars believe they could still squeeze one last good year out of him.
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