Cincinnati Bengals release veteran Cody Ford, still evaluating swing tackle battle

The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Monday, August 24, that they have released veteran offensive lineman Cody Ford. Coach Zac Taylor stated that the decision was made out of respect for Ford and to give him a chance to secure a new team before the final roster cuts. Ford, an eight-year player, joined the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason and played in 50 regular-season games with 10 starts.

He had been expected to fill multiple roles, serving primarily as the swing tackle. Taylor expressed his appreciation for Ford's contributions over the past three and a half years and emphasized that giving him a head start on finding a new team was the right decision. The Bengals have until 6 p.m. on Sunday to finalize their 53-player roster.

Ford's decision to cut weight in the offseason and train in good shape did not translate into better performance on the field. Backup tackle reps have been taken by second-year player Jalen Rivers and Jacksonville Jaguars' 2024 fourth-round pick Javon Foster. Taylor stated that the decision regarding the swing tackle position is not yet concluded, as he wants to give Ford a head start in the process.

The Bengals are considering bringing in outside help, but they are also evaluating if the Week 1 swing tackle position is already occupied. The team remains open to exploring all options, as they continue to assess their depth at the position.