Bengals Cut Ties With Veteran Offensive Lineman After 3 Seasons

The Cincinnati Bengals have parted ways with veteran offensive lineman Cody Ford after three seasons with the team. Ford, a second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2019, spent his initial years with both Buffalo and Arizona before joining the Bengals in March 2023. During his tenure in Cincinnati, Ford started 10 games and appeared in nearly all, contributing valuable depth to the offensive line. In his final season, he even scored a 21-yard catch from quarterback Joe Burrow during a Week 17 game against the Cardinals.

At 29 years old, Ford will now have to find a new team as the 2026 regular season approaches. Although he may not have been a starter for the Bengals, he likely served as their top backup on the offensive line, ready to step in if either starting tackle Orlando Brown Jr. or Amarius Mims were injured. However, Ford's departure came after a disappointing training camp and struggles in the Bengals' first two preseason games, particularly the recent matchup against the Bears. The team evidently felt it was time to move on from Ford.

With quarterback Joe Burrow aiming to revitalize the franchise and compete for a Super Bowl, the Bengals' offensive line is facing immense pressure. Burrow missed nine games due to injury last season and seven games in 2023, and the Bengals have failed to make the playoffs in both years since 2022. Consequently, they cannot afford for Burrow to miss more time if they want to be competitive.

While the Bengals have made significant improvements on defense and possess one of the most powerful offenses in the NFL, the health of their quarterback remains the most critical factor. The team has shown no willingness to take risks on Ford, even in a backup role, as they focus on securing a championship contender.