Just 3 Hours After Being Cut by the Ravens: A Former Super Bowl “Cornerstone” Publicly Expresses Desire to Join the Eagles — Willing to Take a Pay Cut to Help Bring Philadelphia Back to the Top

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – January 2, 2026

Just three hours after being officially released by the Baltimore Ravens, Ben Cleveland — long regarded as a quiet cornerstone during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run — sent a ripple through the NFL by publicly expressing his desire to join the Philadelphia Eagles.

What caught the league’s attention wasn’t simply the destination — it was the conviction behind it.

This wasn’t about money.
This was about legacy.

According to multiple league sources, Cleveland has made it clear that Philadelphia sits at the top of his list, even if that means accepting a reduced salary, a smaller role, or life away from the spotlight. His objective is direct: help guide the Eagles back into Super Bowl contention.

In Baltimore, Cleveland was never the loudest name on the stat sheet. But inside the building, he was respected as a stabilizing force along the offensive line — a player who helped power a physical run game, protect the quarterback in high-pressure moments, and control games when margins were razor thin. At nearly 6-foot-6 and over 350 pounds, Cleveland paired rare size with a relentless, no-frills approach — the kind of trench DNA championship teams are built on.

I’ve walked through the toughest roads this league has to offer to reach the Super Bowl, and I understand that the journey isn’t measured by highlights or numbers. If Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia represents more than a market. It represents a football culture defined by toughness, accountability, and dominance in the trenches. The Eagles’ identity has long been shaped by physical line play and leadership up front — values Cleveland believes still separate contenders from champions.

Inside the Eagles’ facility, there is growing belief that the roster remains close to championship relevance. However, league insiders note that proven, Super Bowl-tested leadership along the offensive line is still viewed as a critical ingredient. Cleveland’s interest is seen as an opportunity to reinforce that standard inside a locker room built to win now.

One NFC personnel executive summarized the appeal succinctly:

“Ben Cleveland brings credibility. He’s lived through a championship run. For a team like Philadelphia, that kind of experience changes the tone inside the building.”

For the Eagles, Cleveland’s willingness to sacrifice financially sends a clear message — this is about winning, not contracts.
For Cleveland, it’s not about quietly extending a career, but about defining its final chapter with purpose.

Three hours after being released, Ben Cleveland made his choice.
Now, Philadelphia waits to see whether that choice becomes the foundation of something bigger.