Cody Ford bolsters line depth for Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals front office brought Cody Ford to the desert to provide depth for the squad’s offensive line in 2022

Four months ago, the Arizona Cardinals reunited Kyler Murray with former University of Oklahoma teammate Marquise Brown. Last week, the Cards hooked Murray up with another former member of the Sooners.

Cody Ford, an offensive lineman who shared a huddle with both Murray and Brown at Oklahoma, was acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. Arizona general manager Steve Keim sent a fifth-round draft pick in 2023 to Buffalo for the 25-year old blocker.

While the Cardinals starting offensive line appears to be set, Ford was apparently brought in to provide some solid depth at guard behind Justin Pugh and Will Hernandez. Justin Murray, the team’s top backup at the position, has been sidelined recently with back and ankle issues. Two additional guards, Marquis Hayes and Danny Isidora, are also dealing with injuries.

Cody Ford will bring starting experience to the Arizona Cardinals offensive line

Ford appeared in 16 games as a rookie back in 2019, and was credited with 15 starts for Buffalo. The 6 foot 4, 329 pounder saw time at guard, but spent most of his first NFL campaign at right tackle.

A year later, in 2020, Ford logged starts at both guard spots for the Bills. Unfortunately, the former second-round draft choice suffered a torn meniscus during a week 12 practice, and was placed on the injured-reserve list on November 28th.

Last season, Ford dressed for 15 of Buffalo’s matchups, starting in seven of those contests at right guard. According to reports, the Louisiana native was fighting for a roster spot this summer, so the deal that delivered him to the Cards presents Ford with a brand new opportunity.

Arizona signed Hernandez, a four-year starter with the New York Giants, to a one-year contract back in March. The 26-year old has enjoyed a fine training camp, and appears to have the starting gig at right guard locked up.

After contemplating retirement, Pugh agreed to return to the Cardinals back in March. The 32-year old accepted a pay cut for the second-consecutive offseason, and there’s a feeling that the 2022 campaign will be Pugh’s swan song with the Redbirds.

Perhaps the plan is for Ford to start at one of the guard spots in ’23. For now, the Cards are happy to have the insurance for the blocking unit that the rugged veteran provides.

(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)