Overview
- The Bengals released veteran offensive lineman Cody Ford on Monday after three seasons in Cincinnati and about 50 regular-season appearances with the team.
- Head coach Zac Taylor said the move was intended to give Ford a head start on finding a new team and that the backup tackle spot remains undecided.
- Ford struggled through training camp and two preseason games this month, with reports saying his inconsistent play reduced confidence in his ability to reliably back up starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims.
- Cincinnati plans to evaluate younger, in-house options such as Javon Foster, Andrew Coker, Christian Jones and Jalen Rivers for the swing-tackle role while remaining open to adding a veteran from waivers, free agency, or trade.
- The club carries roughly $17 million in cap space and multiple draft picks, giving it flexibility to pursue outside help if needed to protect Joe Burrow and shore up the tackle depth before Week 1.