Titans Release Veteran Starting Center

Lloyd Cushenberry signed a 4-year, $50 million deal with the team in 2024.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Tennessee Titans have released veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Cushenberry signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Titans in 2024 and was due to make $8 million this upcoming season.

Why it matters

The release of Cushenberry means the Titans will have a new starting center heading into the 2026 season, which could impact the team's offensive line and the development of young quarterback Cam Ward.

The details

Cushenberry started 23 games for the Titans over the past two seasons, including 15 games with rookie QB Cam Ward in 2025. Prior to joining the Titans, Cushenberry spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, making 57 starts. He was part of the 2019 LSU Tigers team that won the SEC and national championship.

  • Cushenberry signed a 4-year, $50 million deal with the Titans in 2024.
  • Cushenberry was due to make $8 million this upcoming 2026 season.

The players

Lloyd Cushenberry

A veteran center who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos before signing a 4-year, $50 million deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2024.

Cam Ward

The Titans' rookie quarterback in 2025 who started 15 games with Cushenberry as his center.

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What they’re saying

“The #Titans are releasing starting center Lloyd Cushenberry, sources say, moving on from a former big-ticket free agent from 2024.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Titans will now need to find a new starting center to anchor their offensive line and protect young quarterback Cam Ward heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This move by the Titans highlights the challenges of long-term free agent contracts, as the team is moving on from Cushenberry after just two seasons. It will be interesting to see how the Titans address the center position and if it impacts Ward's development in his second NFL season.