Broncos' Cushenberry Projected for $57M Contract in 2024 FA
Be it from the Denver Broncos or another NFL franchise, Lloyd Cushenberry is on track for a massive payday.
Cracking Pro Football Focus' list of the top 100 impending free agents, the veteran center — checking in at No. 57 overall — has been projected to net a four-year, $57.1 million contract, including $34.25 million guaranteed, on the open market.
Via PFF's Brad Spielberger:
Cushenberry was named the starting center as a rookie in 2020 and struggled early, as many players in the same situation have in recent years, with the added responsibility of calling out protections. Three different coaching staffs in his four years didn’t exactly bring stability, either, but Cushenberry is having a career year in 2023 and has grown as a run blocker while consistently showing up as one of the better pass-protecting centers in the NFL over the last few seasons.
Cushenberry uses heavy hands and a good anchor to win against a growing list of quality pass-rushers on the interior, bolstering his value more each year. He may be served better in a gap-heavy rushing scheme, but any limitations as a run blocker in space are vastly outweighed by his pass-blocking strength. Penalties could stand to come down a bit, but that’s nitpicking an ascending young player who looks the part of a centerpiece of an offensive line for years to come.
A 2020 third-round pick and 54-game starter (as of this writing), Cushenberry graded out as a below-average pivot for his first three seasons, due in part to shaky quarterback play and an inconsistent supporting cast along Denver's now-rebuilt offensive line.
Many were surprised when head coach Sean Payton left Cushenberry atop the depth chart heading into the 2023 campaign. But the LSU product has rewarded Payton in spades, benefiting like several of his linemates under the tutelage of new OL coach Zach Strief.
Entering Week 16, Cushenberry ranks as PFF's ninth-best center among 39 qualifiers. He boasts the second-highest pass-blocking grade (78.8) and hasn't surrendered a sack since Oct. 12, with only six pressures allowed across that span.
Cushenberry, 26, stands to be one of the top available centers next spring, but it's no sure thing the Broncos — whose 2024 salary cap forecast is troubling — break out the Brink's truck for him, especially with others (Patrick Surtain II, and perhaps Quinn Meinerz) at the front of the financial line.
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