What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed Ben Cleveland, a former offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, to a futures contract. This decision comes after the Chargers faced a challenging season with numerous injuries to their offensive line, including season-ending injuries to key players Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. The Chargers had the most offensive line combinations in the NFL this season, which contributed to quarterback Justin Herbert being sacked 54 times during the regular season. Cleveland, who was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft from Georgia, has played in 64 games over the past five years, starting in seven of them. His addition is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Chargers' depth, especially with Zion Johnson
and Trevor Penning approaching free agency.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Ben Cleveland is significant for the Chargers as they aim to strengthen their offensive line following a season plagued by injuries. The frequent changes in the offensive line have impacted the team's performance, particularly in protecting their quarterback, Justin Herbert. By adding a seasoned player like Cleveland, the Chargers hope to stabilize their line and improve their offensive capabilities. This move also highlights the team's proactive approach in addressing potential gaps due to upcoming free agency, ensuring they have experienced players ready to step in as needed. The decision could influence the Chargers' performance in the upcoming season, potentially reducing the number of sacks and improving overall team efficiency.
What's Next?
With the addition of Ben Cleveland, the Chargers will likely focus on integrating him into their system during the offseason. The team will also need to make decisions regarding their pending free agents, Zion Johnson and Trevor Penning, which could further impact their strategy for the next season. The Chargers' management will be closely monitoring the performance of their offensive line during training camps and preseason games to assess the effectiveness of their new lineup. Additionally, the team may continue to explore other opportunities to strengthen their roster, particularly in areas that were identified as weaknesses during the past season.
