Next up in our series of potential Steelers free agent targets is Lloyd Cushenberry. Cushenberry was a four year starter at center for the Denver Broncos. The longer this process goes on, the more we think Mike Tomlin and company prefer a veteran center over a rookie draft pick. Not only does adding a veteran help solidify the line, but center is generally a cheaper position to fill in free agency. This allows the team to fill needs at the more expensive positions like corner and tackle through the draft.
The Skills:
Lloyd Cushenberry was a third round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2020. The former LSU product immediately started at center in Denver his rookie season. He struggled early on in his career, but has really turned it on the last two seasons. Cushenberry is known to be an excellent pass blocker in the NFL. His PFF grades back that up with a 76.4 grade in pass blocking to go along with a 73.2 overall grade. This is a solid overall center coming into his prime at only 26 years old. He may be a better candidate for a gap heavy scheme, but his overall play fits any system.
As far as size goes, Cushenberry is right there in the the mold of what the Steelers are looking for. Being just over 6’3”, and having over 34” arms is exactly what this team looks for. https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/lloyd-cushenberry
The Money:
As we mentioned earlier, center is not a position that generally demands a huge financial commitment. Spotrac has an estimated contract at 4years/$32 million. Eight million per season for a player at the top of the market at his position is nothing in today’s NFL. In the case of Lloyd Cushenberry, contract dollars should not be an issue in any way.
The Skinny:
The drawback here is Lloyd Cushenberry should have his pick of several teams to choose from. He promises to be among the top center candidates in free agency. PFF has him in their free agent center rankings at third overall. When you consider Connor Williams is ranked first, and he is coming off major surgery, Cushenberry should be the top choice of most teams. When it comes to potential Steelers free agent targets, we feel as good about Lloyd Cushenberry as any player we have featured so far.