Alex Cappa’s tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals has unexpectedly ended after three seasons.

On Monday morning, the Cincinnati Bengals announced that they released the veteran guard in a surprising roster move. Alex Cappa had one season remaining on a four-year deal he signed in 2022 free agency.

The 30-year-old Cappa played right guard for the Bengals over three seasons, helping the club to an appearance in the 2022 AFC Championship Game. Cappa landed a $35 million deal in free agency after a successful four-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that was highlighted by a Super Bowl 55 championship in the 2020 season.

In 2022, the usually budget-conscious Bengals rebuilt their woeful offensive line after the Super Bowl 56 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams by signing Alex Cappa, Ted Karras (three years, $18 million) and La’el Collins (three years, $21 million).

Cappa had a forgettable 2024 season as the Bengals missed the playoffs for the second straight year with a 9-8 record. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed eight sacks and committed two penalties on 1,132 snaps.

PFF graded Alex Cappa at just 50.5 on the year, placing him 110th among 135 guards. This included a terrible 39.7 pass-blocking grade that ranked him 107th at the position.

Still, quality offensive guards with Cappa’s body of work don’t grow on trees. There should be considerable interest for the Super Bowl 55 champion once free agency opens in two weeks.

Alex Cappa Gets The Fresh Start He Needs

Alex Cappa’s tenure in Cincinnati didn’t end the way either party wanted, but the veteran guard probably needed a fresh start after a down season. The Bengals have to clear up money to extend Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson, so releasing Cappa makes sense on the financial front.

Still, it opens up another gaping hole on an already shaky offensive line. So de facto GM Duke Tobin and owner Mike Brown need to do their homework and find a suitable replacement for Cappa.