The Tennessee Titans made the semi-surprising decision to release center Lloyd Cushenberry last week. Fans knew Cushenberry was a potential cap casualty, but it felt more like a 50-50 toss-up than it did foregone conclusion. Alas, Mike Borgonzi took the option to release him and add roughly $3.4 million in cap space while absorbing approximately $9 million in dead money.
The Titans do not have a starting-caliber center under contract. Backup Corey Levin is also a pending free agent. The Titans should re-sign Levin, but they should also aim higher for their starting lineup. Sixth-round pick Jackson Slater will be a sophomore next year, and has some guard-center versatility.
Borgonzi will almost certainly have to pursue a free-agent center to replace Cushenberry in the lineup. The Titans need a veteran pivot to help support and protect quarterback Cam Ward. We've identified the three top options in free agency.
Titans' top options to replace Lloyd Cushenberry at center in NFL Free Agency
Connor McGovern, Buffalo Bills
Connor McGovern is a 28-year old blocker who has played for the Buffalo Bills for the previous three campaigns. He initially started at left guard, but replaced Mitch Morse at center in 2024 following his release. McGovern is excellent in pass protection. He played more than 1,000 snaps throughout 2025 and was not credited with allowing a single sack. He did not cross paths with new Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who joined the Giants prior to his arrival in Buffalo.
Cade Mays, Carolina Panthers
Cade Mays has a slight connection to the Titans' new coaching staff. He signed with the New York Giants' practice squad in 2024 when Daboll was the head coach and Carmen Bricillo was the offensive line coach. It's worth noting Daboll and Bricillo overlooked Mays. He left the Giants for the Carolina Panthers and developed into a starting-caliber center, allowing just two sacks and being whistled for two penalties this past campaign.
Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
Linderbaum is one possibility we've already explored. He is the premier pending free agent at center. The Baltimore Ravens have apparently made an aggressive offer to retain his services, yet he remains unsigned roughly one week away from the negotiating window opening (March 9). If Linderbaum chooses to reach free agency, the Titans are equipped with a league-leading amount of cap space to potentially entice him with.