JUST 3 HOURS AFTER BEING CUT BY RAVENS: The "Cornerstone" Who Led Ravens to Super Bowl Title Expresses Desire to Join Steelers– Willing to Take Pay Cut Just to Lead Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl Championship

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – January 2, 2026

Just three hours after being released by the Baltimore Ravens, Ben Cleveland — long regarded as a quiet pillar during the Ravens’ Super Bowl journey — sent shockwaves through the league by publicly expressing his desire to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What immediately caught attention around the NFL was not simply the destination — but the intent behind it.

This was not about money.
It was about legacy.

According to multiple league sources, Cleveland has made it clear that Pittsburgh sits at the top of his list, even if it requires him to take a reduced salary, accept a lesser role, or step out of the spotlight. His goal is direct and unapologetic: to help lead the Steelers back to the Super Bowl.

During his time in Baltimore, Cleveland was never the flashiest name on the stat sheet. But inside the building, he was viewed as a stabilizing force on an offensive line that powered one of the NFL’s most punishing rushing attacks, protected the quarterback in high-leverage moments, and helped control the tempo of playoff-caliber games. At 6-foot-6 and 355 pounds, Cleveland combined rare size with a physical, unglamorous style that earned deep respect in the locker room.

“I’ve walked through the toughest roads this league has to offer to reach the Super Bowl — and I understand that journey isn’t measured by highlights or numbers,” Cleveland said. “If Pittsburgh needs someone willing to sacrifice money, role, or even attention to help this team get back to where it belongs, I’ll do that without hesitation.”

For Cleveland, Pittsburgh represents a familiar type of football environment — one built on toughness, accountability, and standards that do not change with trends.

Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers continue to define themselves through physicality and internal leadership. While the roster has evolved, the organization believes it is approaching a championship-relevant window, one that still requires proven voices who understand what winning at the highest level demands.

That is where Cleveland fits.

An NFC personnel executive explained the appeal succinctly:

“This isn’t about adding depth. This is about adding credibility,” the executive said. “Ben Cleveland brings a Super Bowl mindset into the room. That matters in Pittsburgh.”

For the Steelers, Cleveland’s interest signals intent — a willingness to supplement young talent with veterans who prioritize winning over contracts. For Cleveland, it represents something more personal: a chance not to extend his career quietly, but to finish it with purpose.

Three hours after being released, Ben Cleveland made his choice.
Now, Pittsburgh waits to see whether that choice becomes destiny in black and gold.