ESPN REPORT: The Bengals Trade 2 Mega-Star And Replace The Vols Key Player.
After several major attempts since their Super Bowl Run in 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals are still in rebuild mode on the offensive line this offseason. Even though they made a big splash last offseason on a sizeable contract for top free agent left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., the offensive line still ranked toward the bottom of the league and superstar quarterback Joe Burrow once again landed on injured reserve halfway through the season. Regardless of circumstance, Cincinnati is in desperate need of finding some sort of resolution with their issues on the offensive front.
Cincinnati Bengals Re-sign Versatile Lineman Days Ahead of 2024 Offseason Kickoff
On Saturday morning, the Bengals took the first step on the path to improvement on a shaky offensive line by re-signing offensive lineman Cody Ford. After signing on a contract to the league minimum salary of $1.08 million in 2023, Ford was the sixth man on the offensive line and proved to be a solid backup in Cincinnati.
The 2024 contract for Ford was reported to be for one season and is presumed to once again be at the league minimum of $1.08 million. It is important to note that Ford has struggled to play well during his rookie contract with the Buffalo Bills and found himself traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a fifth-round pick in the 2023 offseason. It should also be noted that Ford has averaged a career Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall score in the 50s and didn’t seem to improve last season with an overall score of 53.9.
It is important to remember that while 53.9 isn’t a great score, Ford only played a total of 78 offensive snaps last season and it can be impossible to build a rhythm or an understanding of the game tempo when you come in for a few plays whenever another offensive lineman needs a break. It is also important to note that Ford appeared to be an excellent teammate and took an active role in the offensive line meetings during games while other backup offensive linemen didn’t appear too interested in the game when they weren’t on the field.
Ford was highly regarded coming out of the 2019 NFL Draft when I was hoping that he would fall to Cincinnati in the second round when the team mistakenly drafted tight end Drew Sample. While his PFF focus grades give some major concerns to his technique and ability on the field, I would pencil Ford in as the starting right tackle as of the moment of his signing.
There is a high likelihood (I would come close to guarantee) that Cincinnati will add a better option at the starting right tackle either in the draft or free agency but there is no argument that Ford is the best backup offensive lineman Cincinnati has had since the days of their elite offensive line before the unit was dismantled in 2017. The retention of Ford is a solid indicator that as long as the team invests in a higher quality starter at right tackle, the depth should remain much better than it has been during head coach Zac Taylor‘s tenure.
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