Full Breakdown
Chargers Trade Guard Ben Cleveland for Long Snapper Peter Bowden
7/29/2026, 7:48:01 AM
Roster Move Overview
The Los Angeles Chargers announced the release of offensive guard Ben Cleveland and the signing of long snapper Peter Bowden in a roster adjustment made on Tuesday. Bowden returns to the team after spending the end of the previous season on the Chargers’ practice squad.
Player Backgrounds
Peter Bowden entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024, initially joining Green Bay’s training camp before moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad later that year. He played college football at Wisconsin, where he appeared in 39 games between 2021 and 2023. In his senior year, Bowden was a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, which honors the nation’s top long snapper, and his snapping contributed to Badgers kicker Nathanial Vakos earning All-Big Ten recognition.
Ben Cleveland, an offensive guard, had been on the Chargers’ active roster prior to his release. The team did not provide a detailed explanation for the move.
Statistical Highlights
- Bowden’s collegiate career: 39 games (2021-2023).
- 2023 Patrick Mannelly Award finalist.
- No recorded regular-season snaps for the Chargers before the practice-squad stint at the end of last season.
Implications for the Chargers
Re-adding Bowden gives the Chargers a proven specialist with recent practice-squad experience in the organization, addressing the long-snapper position ahead of the upcoming season. The release of Cleveland frees a roster spot, potentially allowing the team to add depth at guard or other positions during the next wave of signings. The move reflects a typical NFL strategy of balancing positional needs with roster flexibility.
