Cordy Glenn is enormous, but his expectations are even more so

When the Bengals traded for Cordy Glenn before the 2018 draft, Bengals fans were astounded by his size. Unfortunately, his tremendous size did not translate to success on the field and Glenn failed to live up to expectations.

For a second there, Glenn was tabbed to be the Bengals’ opening day left guard, moving over from his previous spot at left tackle. An unfortunate injury to Jonah Williams forced him to move back to tackle. With a brand new coaching staff that is going to heavily emphasize offense, Glenn could help the offense take a huge step.

Cordy Glenn

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 345 lbs

College: Georgia

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Experience: Eighth-Year Player

Cap Status

Glenn is four years into a five-year contract that he signed with the Bills. His contract has a potential out this year, so they could cut him and only lose $2 million in dead money. But that’s pretty unlikely, so Glenn’s contract and roster bonus will represent a $9.25 Million cap hit, according to Spotrac.com.

Background

Cordy Glenn started at Georgia as a true freshman, and would go on to start 50 games in his college career. That number ties him for most starts by an offensive lineman in school history, a record he shares with only Clint Boling, who is now retired.

Glenn’s size, versatility, and durability stuck out to the Bills, who drafted him with the 41st overall pick in the 2012 draft as a guard. He was the starter at left tackle from day one.

The Bills’ offensive line, thanks in part to Glenn protecting the blind side, became the best unit on the team, and the Bills inked Glenn to an five-year, $60 Million extension in 2016.

Unfortunately for the Bills, Glenn suffered a number of leg injuries in 2017, and only one year into his new deal, he hit injured reserve.

The Bengals traded for him the Bills 21st overall pick in 2018 in exchange for their 12th overall pick. The Bengals selected Billy Price, essentially getting two offensive lineman that they desperately needed for their 12th pick.

However, he couldn’t shake the injury bug with his new team. He battled through and only missed three games, but did not look like he same player he was when he signed his extension with the Bills.

2019 outlook

The Bengals barely addressed the the tackle position this offseason, adding no new pieces outside of Jonah Williams. Not only is he expected to start, but he is expected to live up to jersey No. 77. There is next to no depth at tackle, as opposed to plethora of guards on the roster, so the Bengals need Glenn to step up big.

With an offseason to recover, a brand new coaching staff, and only one more birthday (Sept. 18) before the big 3-0, this is Glenn’s chance to recapture his former glory.

Roster odds

His front-loaded contract might make things interesting if the Bengals weren’t so desperate at tackle. Glenn has the best job security on the offensive line when healthy.

Under normal circumstances, his odds would be 100%. However, he’s already banged up with a concussion, so he’s not off to a great start with the new coaching staff.

Even so, the Bengals have no depth at tackle unless the staff thinks Andre Smith will be a capable starter at left tackle. Expect Glenn to remain on the roster, but depending on how this season goes, he could be a prime cap casualty candidate next year.

For now, the Bengals need Glenn to lock down the left side and help keep Andy Dalton upright.

Roster odds: 90%