Jaguars acquire guard Ezra Cleveland from Vikings via trade, add depth to offensive line
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a trade with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday, it's just not the one most people were expecting.
The Jaguars announced that they've acquired offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland from the Vikings, a fourth-year player from Boise State. Jacksonville sent a 2024 sixth round draft pick to Minnesota in the deal and announced they waived veteran guard Ben Bartch in a corresponding move on Tuesday.
Head coach Doug Pederson had live reaction on the Pat McAfee Show shortly after the trade happened, describing Cleveland as "a starter-type guard" and noting that he adds depth for the Jaguars' offensive line.
Cleveland has been a consistent starter for Minnesota, starting 49 of 53 games for the Vikings during his four seasons.
The #Vikings are trading standout guard Ezra Cleveland to the #Jaguars, per me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo. One of the better young players at his position, Cleveland moves on to beef up another O-line in exchange for a third-day draft pick. pic.twitter.com/uTItO1ECnE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2023
The Jaguars have had offensive line struggles at left guard this season, shuffling through Walker Little, Tyler Shatley and Ben Barch through eight games.
They have also been without rookie guard Cooper Hodges since preseason when he suffered a patella injury and was put on injury reserve.
With the trade, the Jaguars get help up front to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars: Trade for Ezra Cleveland at NFL deadline
