The Cincinnati Bengals are making headlines once again, but not for a reason fans would hope for. The team’s fourth-round pick from 2022, Cordell Volson, has been waived due to an injury, marking a significant turn in his journey with the Bengals. What happened, and what does it mean for both Volson and the team moving forward? Let’s dive into the story behind this decision.
When the Bengals selected Volson in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, there was a palpable sense of optimism. He stepped onto the field as a rookie and quickly secured a starting position, giving fans hope that the team might have found a diamond in the rough. Fast-forward to 2025, and that promise seems to have faded. Despite his initial success, Volson struggled to develop further, remaining a below-average guard as his competition grew fiercer.
The Bengals made a strategic move by signing Lucas Patrick in free agency, which added more pressure on Volson to maintain his starting role. As the new season approached, it became clear that Volson was in a battle for his position—one he was determined to win. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. Just as he was gearing up for what could have been a pivotal season, Volson suffered a significant injury. Reports suggest this injury might keep him sidelined for the entire season, raising concerns about his future with the team.
On cutdown day, the Bengals made the tough decision to waive Volson with an injury designation. This means he cannot play for the Bengals this year, leaving his career in Cincinnati hanging by a thread. The situation is complex; while he has the option to negotiate a settlement that could allow him to sign with other teams, his chances appear slim given the severity of his injury. The reality is that if another team claims him, they would also inherit a looming cap hit of approximately $2.4 million, according to Over The Cap. Not exactly an enticing proposition for potential suitors.
“It seems very possible that this will be the last we see of Volson in stripes.”
As we analyze Volson’s time with the Bengals, it’s important to recognize the contributions he made to the offensive line. While he might not have been the standout player everyone hoped for, he brought a level of consistency and dedication that is often hard to come by. His journey serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL, especially for players who find themselves facing injuries at critical junctures in their careers.
In the midst of this chaos, the Bengals are also focusing on finalizing their 53-man roster. Players like Njongmeta, a former Buckeye, are making headlines for their push to secure a spot on the team. Meanwhile, Jake Browning is solidifying his role as the backup quarterback, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the Bengals’ roster dynamics.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they are also working diligently to get a new contract for star player Trey Hendrickson ahead of Week 1. With so many moving parts, it’s clear that the Bengals are committed to building a competitive team while navigating the complexities of player injuries and roster changes.
In conclusion, the waiver of Cordell Volson marks the end of an era for him in Cincinnati. While he showed promise as a rookie, the inability to develop further—coupled with an unfortunate injury—has likely sealed his fate with the Bengals. As fans, we must recognize the unpredictability of the sport and wish Volson the best in whatever comes next. Will he find a new opportunity elsewhere, or is this the last we’ve seen of him on the field? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Bengals are gearing up for a season full of challenges and changes.
