Offensive line depth has emerged as a concern for the Bengals as roster cuts approach. Cody Ford has been an important figure in that regard for the past three years, but he is headed to free agency.
Ford is being released, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports. The 29-year-old re-signed with Cincinnati this offseason, but he struggled through training camp and the team’s first two preseason contests. Adding a new swing tackle candidate is something to watch for in the Bengals’ case as a result.
Ford totaled 50 appearances and 10 starts over the course of his Cincinnati tenure (2023-25). That included time at tackle and guard, but the former second-rounder was unable to lock down the swing tackle role this offseason. With the Bengals looking to try younger options in terms of backups along the interior, they will now move on. This release will create $1.3MM in cap savings with Ford’s salary coming off the books, while it will incur $500K in dead money.
More to come…