The Cincinnati Bengals have won each of their first two preseason games as they enter a season with high expectations and plenty of pressure.
They’ve also begun making notable roster moves, with cutdowns expected to slowly trickle in this week and next as teams play their final preseason games.
Bengals Release 29-Year-Old Veteran
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Monday that the Bengals are releasing 29-year-old veteran offensive lineman Cody Ford, who was preparing to enter his fourth season with the organization.
“The #Bengals are releasing OL Cody Ford, who has played in 50 of 51 regular-season games with the team over three years in Cincinnati,” Garafolo posted.
The #Bengals are releasing OL Cody Ford, who has played in 50 of 51 regular-season games with the team over three years in Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/mIo25PSapE
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 24, 2026
Ford hasn’t stood out during training camp and struggled in the Bengals’ first two preseason games against the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.
He was preparing to play out a restructured one-year, $1.3 million deal and provide depth across the offensive line. Ford can play both guard and tackle. Before joining Cincinnati in 2023, he spent the 2022 season with the Arizona Cardinals and the previous three seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
Bengals’ 2026 Outlook
The move comes as somewhat of a surprise, considering Cincinnati lacks depth at tackle behind starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims.
However, the decision could also prompt the Bengals to add an experienced veteran to back up their starters. Brown Jr. and Mims will anchor the tackle spots, while Dalton Risner and Dylan Fairchild will handle guard and Ted Karras will start at center.
Cincinnati listed Ford as the backup left tackle on its depth chart. Javon Foster will likely take over that role, while Andrew Coker and Christian Jones also remain in the mix at tackle.
All three players entered the NFL in the 2024 draft class and have little to no starting experience at the professional level.
Cincinnati Bengals Suddenly Release 29-Year-Old Veteran Before NFL Season