Denver, CO. A surprising roster move in Tennessee has reopened a door many in Broncos Country never fully closed.
After being unexpectedly released by the Tennessee Titans, a former Denver third-round draft pick is now publicly expressing his desire to return to the franchise that launched his NFL career.
The veteran center, who signed a four-year, $50 million free-agent deal with the Titans in 2024, was officially released on February 25, 2026, after failing a physical.
The move ends a brief and injury-impacted stint in Tennessee and places him back on the open market heading into the 2026 offseason.
That player is Lloyd Cushenberry.
Selected by Denver in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Cushenberry quickly became a steady presence on the offensive line.
From 2020 through 2023, he started 57 games at center and earned recognition on the league's All-Rookie Team early in his career. During his final season in Denver, he delivered what many considered a breakout campaign, solidifying his value before entering free agency.
After his rookie contract expired, Cushenberry chose to test the market and signed a lucrative deal with Tennessee.
However, his time with the Titans was disrupted by an Achilles injury late in 2024. Although he worked his way back, medical concerns ultimately led to his release two years into the contract. He now enters free agency once again.
In an emotional statement following the news, Cushenberry made his intentions clear.
"The biggest regret of my life to this day was chasing money and leaving Denver. The Broncos were the team that gave me my opportunity to enter the NFL. I want to come back, to prove my worth once again and repay the debt of gratitude I owe them."
The message resonates in Denver. Since his departure, the Broncos have reshaped their offensive line, but continuity and experience at center remain valuable assets for a team seeking sustained playoff success.
Cushenberry, still just 28 years old, carries both starting experience and familiarity with the organization's culture.
Financially, a reunion could make sense. Having already earned the guaranteed portion of his Titans contract, Cushenberry may now prioritize stability and fit over maximizing salary.
If he passes medical evaluations and proves fully recovered, Denver could view him as a low-risk, high-experience addition to reinforce the interior line.
For now, he is officially a free agent.
But the plea has been made.
And the door back to Denver may not be fully closed.