Titans cut veteran guard Cordell Volson

Volson gets $2.5 million in guaranteed money as he moves to Titans in what is sure to be a reserve role behind established veterans Peter Skoronski and Kevin Zeitler. Volson made 48 starts in three seasons with the Bengals.

Volson took a paycut after a rough 2024 season and now appears set to enter free agency after his rookie deal expires this offseason. The Bengals drafted Dylan Fairchild to replace him this offseason, so Volson was likely only set to be a depth piece for the Bengals in 2025.

Per ESPN’s Ben Baby, the Bengals reduced Volson’s $3.7 million base salary, increased his 2025 guaranteed money and gave him “the opportunity to earn more cash, depending on how the battle at guard shakes out.” That’s a doozy. Regardless, Volson is tasked with fending off third-round rookie, OG Dylan Fairchild, for the starting left guard role. Per PFF run-blocking grades, Volson has improved as a run blocker in each of his three NFL seasons, earning a career-best 65.6 PFF run-blocking grade last season. He has failed to develop as a pass protector having allowed 43 quarterback pressures last year, the most among current Bengals offensive linemen. Fairchild allowed just 14 quarterback pressures in his two seasons serving as a Georgia Bulldogs starter.

He beat out second-year OG Jackson Carman, who was a second-round pick in 2021. Volson was a three-year starter at right tackle at North Dakota State but is a powerful run blocker who transitions nicely inside to guard. The Bengals’ upgraded offensive line reads: LT Jonah Williams, LG Volson, C Ted Karras, RG Alex Cappa, and RT La’el Collins.

Volson (6'6"/315) was a three-year starter for the Bison, mostly at right tackle. He was an FCS first-team All-American in 2021 and posted fantastic PFF grades the past three years. He’s a powerful run blocker with a mean streak, a prime example of a mauler. He excels the most when he can fire forward and just start moving people aside in a power run game before bursting upfield and hitting the second level. Volson shows good straight-line explosion to do those things but is very limited laterally, and both his agility drills ranked below the 20th percentile. His thick build and strength allow him to jolt defenders when he gets his hands in the right place, and he’s definitely not easy to move in pass protection. Unfortunately, his lack of fast feet means skilled and speedy rushers will cause him fits, which is why many project a move inside, where his power and finishing in the run game will be better utilized.