Jaguars waive OL Ben Bartch to make room for OL Ezra Cleveland

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a trade for the Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland official Tuesday and announced that offensive lineman Ben Bartch will be waived to make room for the new addition.

Bartch, 25, was a fourth-round pick for the Jaguars in the 2020 NFL draft and made 20 starts in four seasons with the team. After earning the starting left guard job in training camp last season, Bartch suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 5.

After beginning camp and preseason on the PUP list this year, Bartch re-assumed his starting role, but the return to the lineup lasted for only three games. He was eventually benched in favor of Tyler Shatley and the team has also turned to Blake Hance before Bartch at times this year.

In each of his three starts this season, Bartch was credited with allowing three pressures. Bartch’s 55.5 grade from Pro Football Focus so far in the 2023 season is a career low.

Bartch would be eligible to join the Jaguars’ practice squad, but he’d first have to go unclaimed on the waiver wire.