Chicago Bears would be silly not to pursue Llyod Cushenberry in free agency
The Chicago Bears are going to need to address the center position this offseason. One name that is going to consistently be connected to the team in free agency is Lloyd Cushenberry. What makes this a fit?
Chicago Bears would be silly not to pursue Llyod Cushenberry in free agency
One of the main reasons the two have been connected is Cushenberry is expected to be one of the highest-paid free agent centers this offseason. PFF has him projected to sign a four-year, $57M deal in free agency.
The Chicago Bears have some of the most cap space in the NFL, and it appears as though Cushenberry will play for the highest bidder. If the team wants to be that, they can be.
Cushenberry was a former third-round pick of the Broncos and has been a four-year starter throughout his rookie contract. He missed nine starts during the 2022 season due to a groin injury but bounced back in 2023 with the best year of his career. He made significant strides as a run blocker, which is what the Bears want to hear. Still, his pass protection has consistently been solid, which is why he is viewed as the top center in free agency.
Overall, Cushenberry has 3,686 snaps, all of them coming at center. He is only going to be 27 years old next year, so he is in the perfect environment of being experienced, a scheme fit, and young enough to see the potential for more.
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The Denver Broncos are going through a bit of a rebuild, and Cushenberry could very easily hit free agency. He would be one of the better players overall to hit the market, let alone at the center position. Will the Chicago Bears win a bidding war, or will they look for multiple cheaper options instead?