Bengals Release Veteran Offensive Lineman Cody Ford Ahead of Roster Cutdowns
The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran offensive lineman Cody Ford on Aug. 24, according to multiple reports. The move comes as the team prepares to trim its roster from 89 players to 53 by 6 p.m. Sunday.
Ford, a swing tackle who had been with the Bengals for three seasons, was entering his eighth NFL season. He appeared in 50 games with the team, starting 10. The NFL Network's Mike Garafolo first reported the cut, posting that Ford had "played in 50 of 51 regular-season games with the team over three years in Cincinnati."
Ford struggled in the Aug. 22 preseason game against the Chicago Bears, following a difficult outing in the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions. He was seen exiting Paycor Stadium in street clothes on Aug. 24 prior to the team's practice that afternoon. The Bengals listed Ford as the backup left tackle on the depth chart, a role he filled since joining the team in 2023.
Offensive Line Depth in Question
The release leaves the Bengals with limited experienced depth at tackle behind starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims. Head coach Zac Taylor expressed concerns about the team's depth along the offensive line following the Bears game, though he also conveyed confidence in the young players currently on the roster.
Javon Foster is expected to take over the backup left tackle role, with Andrew Coker and Christian Jones also in the mix. All three entered the NFL in the 2024 draft class and have limited or no starting experience at the professional level.
Taylor did not rule out adding a veteran, saying, "We're always open to everything." The free agent market at tackle is thin, but a few experienced options could provide depth.
Potential Free Agent Options
Among the possible additions mentioned by Sports Illustrated is Jonah Williams, the Bengals' first-round pick in 2019. Williams started at left tackle before being replaced by Orlando Brown Jr. in 2023, then moved to right tackle and continued there with the Arizona Cardinals. He could return to Cincinnati to serve as a swing tackle, with the added motivation of finishing what the team started when it reached the Super Bowl in 2021.
Kelvin Beachum, who will be 37 and entering his 14th NFL season, remains a viable option. Despite an overall grade of 51.6 from Pro Football Focus last season, he posted a pass-blocking grade of 78.3 as a swing tackle. Beachum has never appeared in a Super Bowl.
Cornelius Lucas, who spent last season with the Cleveland Browns in a limited role, had the worst season of his 12-year career. However, in 2024 with the Washington Commanders, he earned a 75.4 overall grade from PFF, including a 79.1 pass-blocking grade across 464 snaps.
Roster Decisions Loom
As the Bengals approach the final cutdown, Taylor emphasized that no one should feel secure in their roster spot. "I don't feel like anybody should feel comfortable going in this last week that they've made the team," he said, noting the importance of consistency and accountability ahead of the preseason finale against Philadelphia.
Several players have strengthened their cases with strong performances. Wide receiver Dohnte Meyers led the team with five receptions and 41 receiving yards against the Bears, while also contributing on special teams with kickoff returns of 29 and 25 yards and punt returns of 25 and 9 yards. Quarterback Josh Johnson praised Meyers, saying, "Dohnte pops off the film... All of the quarterbacks have confidence in him."
Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, a 2024 second-round pick, recorded five tackles and a sack in 48 percent of snaps against the Lions but played only nine snaps against the Bears. Rookie linebacker Landon Robinson has two sacks in the first two preseason games, though Taylor noted, "I've seen cleaner tackles," emphasizing the need for consistency. Swayze Bozeman is also moving strongly toward a roster spot.
With the deadline approaching, the Bengals' decisions on the offensive line and elsewhere will shape the final roster as they head into their preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night.