The Tennessee Titans are expected to sign former Denver Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Per Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger, Cushenberry is getting a four-year deal worth $50 million, with $26 million guaranteed at signing and $30 million guaranteed overall.
The annual average ranks third among centers, and his $18 million signing bonus, $26 million guaranteed and $20 million in Year 1 cash are all-time records for the position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Cushenberry, a former third-round pick in 2020, started immediately at center as a rookie. While Cushenberry had his rookie struggles, he’s since developed into a solid starting center for Denver despite three different coaching staffs in the past four years.
He has started every game in three of his four seasons — the exception coming in 2022 when he landed on injured reserve with a groin strain, missing half of the season.
Coming off that injury, Cushenberry started every single game at center for the Broncos in 2023.
The Titans are expected to sign free-agent center Lloyd Cushenberry, source says.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 11, 2024
Cushenberry has always been better in pass protection than run blocking, but he stepped up his game with a career year in 2023. Cushenberry continued to thrive as one of the league’s better pass blocking centers (earning a 76.4 PFF grade) — allowing just one sack all season — and he made an improvement in run blocking (72.4 PFF grade).
This is a massive get for the Titans, as Cushenberry was one of the very best options at center on the free-agent market and presents a major upgrade in pass protection over Aaron Brewer.
Not to mention, having a talented veteran at the position to help a young signal-caller like Will Levis call the shots on offense is a huge asset for Tennessee.
