Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh does not believe in guard Ben Cleveland, and his latest comments about the fourth-year veteran could signal a trade. The Ravens lost several key players in free agency, including 2023 starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson. With limited financial resources, Baltimore had no choice but to trust their depth to step up and fill those voids. So far, the plan hasn’t worked, as right guard Daniel Faalele has struggled with his new opportunity.
Recently, a reporter asked John Harbaugh if the Ravens would consider Ben Cleveland in the starting spot, and the head coach made it clear that won’t be happening any time soon.
“If Ben had earned the job at right guard, he would be the starting right guards. You look at the tape, and he didn’t beat out Daniel or anybody…If [Cleveland] wants playing time, he knows how he needs to play and how he needs to practice when he gets that chance. So our evaluation is that Daniel outplayed Ben. Just facts, straight up.”
You normally don’t hear this much negativity from a head coach, and it’s clear that Ben Cleveland is not part of the organization’s long-term plans. Now entering the final year of his contract, don’t be surprised if the Ravens trade Ben Cleveland to a team like the New Orleans Saints or New England Patriots.
John Harbaugh Blasts Ben Cleveland, Could Signal Trade
The New Orleans Saints entered the season with what was supposed to be one of the worst offensive lines in the league. With questions at both guard positions, most expected Derek Carr to be under consistent pressure thanks to subpar blocking. That hasn’t happened, as Lucas Patrick and Cesar Ruiz have formed one of the league’s best interior duos through two games. They both have top-11 PFF grades at their position and if they continue to play like this, New Orleans will have no reason to trade for Ben Cleveland.
However, this could be a fluke. Patrick and Ruiz have both been in the league for a while and have never come close to playing at this level. The Saints will be in trouble if they regress to their career norms. Ben Cleveland may not be a superstar, but the trade candidate could provide valuable depth as an insurance piece along this offensive line. With New Orleans looking like one of the best teams in football, this organization could use as many good players as they can get to go on a deep playoff run.
Saving the Quarterback
It doesn’t matter if the Patriots start Jacoby Brissett or first-round pick Drake Maye, as neither passer will stand a chance behind this atrocious blocking. Cole Strange and Sidy Sow are both battling injury, leaving a glaring hole in the middle of New England’s offensive line. Fourth-round pick Layden Robinson has promise, but the rookie is still rough around the edges. New England must find another three or four quality starters to make this offensive line even average, and a Ben Cleveland trade could help accomplish that goal. Nobody expects this offensive line to bring back memories of the dynasty, but it must improve to give both quarterbacks a fighting shot.
Main Photo: Jessica Rapfogel – USA Today Sports
