The Cincinnati Bengals have officially parted ways with veteran offensive lineman Cody Ford. Ford, who signed as an unrestricted free agent before the 2023 season, appeared in 50 of the team’s 51 games over the past three years, providing depth at both tackle and guard positions.
Ford’s tenure with the Bengals
During his time in the Queen City, Ford started nine games in the 2024 season and played in 17 games in 2023, 16 games in 2024, and 17 games the previous year. His versatility allowed him to fill swing‑tackle and interior‑guard roles as the Bengals worked to stabilize an offensive line that has struggled for consistency throughout quarterback Joe Burrow’s tenure.
Pro Football Focus graded Ford at a 55.8 for the most recent season, a rating that fell short of the threshold for an official ranking. Among the Bengals’ regular starters, the lowest‑graded lineman was Dylan Fairchild, who posted a 59.1 grade, ranking 46th out of 81 qualified guards.
Coach Taylor explains the decision
Speaking with the media on Monday, head coach Zac Taylor said the release was intended to give the veteran “a head start” on the process of finding a new home. Taylor emphasized that the move opens up additional opportunities for younger players on the depth chart, including Javon Foster, Andrew Coker and Christian Jones.
The decision also creates potential snaps for swing‑tackle prospects Brian Parker II and Jalen Rivers, who could see increased playing time as the team finalizes its roster ahead of training camp.
What comes next for the Bengals’ line
With Ford out of the equation, the Bengals will rely more heavily on the aforementioned younger linemen to provide depth and competition. The coaching staff will evaluate performance during offseason workouts and preseason games to determine who can step into a larger role.
Ford’s experience includes prior stints with the Buffalo Bills and the Arizona Cardinals before joining Cincinnati. While his release marks the end of his current chapter with the Bengals, the veteran remains a free agent and is expected to explore opportunities with other NFL clubs.
Impact on the roster
The move reflects the Bengals’ broader strategy of balancing veteran presence with the development of younger talent. By freeing a roster spot, the team can consider additional signings or promote practice‑squad players to strengthen the offensive line ahead of the upcoming season.
Fans will watch the preseason closely to see how the depth chart reshapes and which players emerge as reliable options for protecting quarterback Joe Burrow and supporting the running game.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
