Cody Ford, born on December 28, 1996, in Pineville, Louisiana, has carved out a career in the National Football League as a versatile offensive lineman. Drafted in the second round (38th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills after a successful college career at the University of Oklahoma, Ford has navigated different teams and roles, currently finding a home and contributing significantly to the Cincinnati Bengals. His journey showcases the adaptability and resilience required to thrive in the demanding environment of the NFL.
Collegiate Foundation at Oklahoma: A Key Lineman for a High-Powered Offense
Ford’s football prowess became evident during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners (2015-2018). After redshirting his freshman year in 2015, he became a significant contributor to their offensive line. Despite an early injury in 2016, he returned strong and by his senior season in 2018, he started all 14 games at right tackle.
That year, he earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors and was recognized as a Third-Team All-American as part of an offensive line that was awarded the prestigious Joe Moore Award, given to the most outstanding offensive line unit in college football. Notably, Ford provided pass protection for two consecutive Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks: Baker Mayfield (2017) and Kyler Murray (2018), highlighting his ability to perform at a high level in a dynamic offensive system. His versatility was also on display at Oklahoma, where he played at both guard and tackle positions.
NFL Draft and Buffalo Bills Early Career
Entering the 2019 NFL Draft, Cody Ford was considered one of the top guard prospects. The Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round, envisioning him as a key piece of their offensive line. During his rookie season in 2019, Ford showcased his versatility by playing both guard and tackle, starting 15 games at right tackle after an injury to the starting tackle. However, his rookie year was also marked by a controversial illegal blindside block penalty in the Bills’ Wild Card playoff loss against the Houston Texans, a play that drew significant attention and even led to Bills fans rallying to support him financially after the subsequent fine.
His role continued to evolve in Buffalo. In the 2020 season, he started seven games at both left and right guard before a knee injury sidelined him for the latter part of the season and the playoffs. The 2021 season saw him play in 15 games with seven starts at right guard. While he demonstrated his ability to contribute across the offensive line, injuries and inconsistencies limited his time on the field and ultimately led to a change of scenery.
A Brief Stint with the Arizona Cardinals
In August 2022, the Buffalo Bills traded Cody Ford to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick. This move offered Ford a fresh start in a new environment. However, his time in Arizona was also impacted by injury. He was placed on injured reserve early in the 2022 season due to an ankle injury, although he was later activated and played in 11 games with three starts at left guard. After his contract expired with the Cardinals, he became a free agent.
Finding Stability and Versatility with the Cincinnati Bengals
Cody Ford signed a in March 2023. This move proved to be a positive one for his career. In his debut season with the Bengals, he played in all 17 games, primarily as a reserve guard and a sixth offensive lineman, while also contributing on special teams. His versatility became a valuable asset for the Bengals’ offensive line depth.
Impressed with his contributions, the Bengals re-signed Ford to a one-year contract extension in March 2024. In the 2024 season, he played in 16 games, starting nine, showcasing his adaptability by filling in at various positions, including left tackle, left guard, right tackle, and even as a third tight end in certain formations. His ability to step in and perform adequately at multiple spots on the offensive line has made him a valuable and reliable player for Cincinnati.
Most recently, on March 9, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals further solidified their belief in Ford’s value by signing him to a two-year contract extension worth $6 million, with $1 million guaranteed. This new deal indicates the Bengals’ commitment to Ford as a key depth piece and a versatile option on their offensive line for the foreseeable future.
FAQs
What is Cody Ford’s current NFL team and what is his contract status?
Cody Ford is currently an offensive guard for the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed a two-year contract extension with the Bengals on March 10, 2025. This contract is for $6 million and includes $1 million guaranteed via a signing bonus. He is under contract with the Bengals through the 2026 season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2027.
Could you detail Cody Ford’s NFL career path, including the teams he has played for and his draft information?
Cody Ford was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft as the 38th overall pick. He played for the Bills from 2019 to 2021, where he started 29 of the 38 games he played, primarily at right tackle and left guard. In 2022, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he played in 11 games with three starts at left guard. He then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a free agent in 2023. In his first season with the Bengals (2023), he played in all 17 games, mainly as a reserve guard and extra lineman. During the 2024 season with the Bengals, he played in 16 games, starting nine at various offensive line positions, showcasing his versatility.
What were Cody Ford’s primary roles and snap counts during the 2024 NFL season with the Cincinnati Bengals?
During the 2024 NFL season, Cody Ford demonstrated his versatility along the offensive line for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in 16 games, starting nine. His starts were distributed across multiple positions: five games at left tackle (LOT), two at left guard (LG), one at right tackle (ROT), and one as a third tight end. He was active for 688 offensive snaps, which was 54th among all tackles in the league. According to one source, his pass-blocking grade for the 2024 season was 50.2, ranking 110th out of 140 tackles, and his run-blocking grade was 49.8, ranking 120th out of 140 tackles. He allowed 5 sacks and was credited with 3 penalties.
In summary
Cody Ford’s NFL career is a compelling story of adaptability and perseverance. While his initial high draft status with the Buffalo Bills came with significant expectations, his journey has involved navigating injuries and finding the right fit. His transition to the Cincinnati Bengals has proven to be a positive step, where his versatility and reliability across the offensive line have made him a valuable asset.
The Bengals’ decision to sign him to a two-year contract extension in 2025 underscores their confidence in his ability to contribute to their offensive success. As a player who can step in and perform at multiple positions, Cody Ford has carved out a significant role for himself in the NFL, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and resilience in a demanding league.
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