Impact on Cody Ford
Well, if the Bills are keeping Spain, Cody Ford was going… no where, regardless. Still on his rookie contract, Ford’s going to be around at least a few more years. But Spain’s signature does affect Ford.
Last season as a rookie, Ford played a bunch at right tackle, making 15 starts and at times, sharing snaps with Ty Nsekhe there. There was some thought to Ford playing guard if Spain departed. Prior to being drafted in the second round by the Bills last spring, pre-draft analysis pegged Ford as a potential guard not tackle. Ford did play tackle in college, though.
With Spain re-signing, this likely means that Ford will continue to play at right tackle. For what it’s worth, ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques reported that the Bills have “not necessarily committed” to Ford at right tackle. But most signs point to Ford doing so, since they never moved him as a rookie.
Overall, Ford graded out as PFF’s 73rd best tackle in the NFL last season… not good. The Bills will hope that improves if they do stick with him there.