Steelers Should Grab This Reliable Offensive Lineman In Free Agency Per PFF

The Pittsburgh Steelers once again find themselves with a lot of needs heading into the new season. During the 2023 campaign, the defense was decimated by injuries, especially at the inside linebacker position. The offense had its share of struggles as they managed to find themselves in a quarterback controversy despite initially thinking they had their guy in Kenny Pickett. Then, there were the players that underperformed or just weren't a good fit for the team and the top of that list almost has to be center. 

The 2024 NFL Draft is said to be a good one for centers as there are several quality linemen to choose from. However, the Steelers have significant needs on the offensive line and could also look to pick a veteran up in free agency to allow for competition. Pro Football Focus (PFF) agrees and Dalton Wasserman recently released a list of "Perfect Fit Free Agents For All 32 NFL Teams" and selected a center for the Steelers, Lloyd Cushenberry III from the Denver Broncos.   

"Much is being said about the Steelers quarterback situation this offseason. Regardless of who is throwing the ball, they won't stand a chance to succeed unless their offensive line significantly improves. The draft figures to be a place to find reinforcements, but they should still look for veteran help. Pittsburgh recently cut center Mason Cole, leaving the spot up for grabs. Denver's Lloyd Cushenberry III could be a nice fit in Arthur Smith's outside-zone run game if the Steelers can afford him. Cushenberry posted a solid 84.6 run-blocking grade when running outside zone in 2023, the sixth-best mark among all centers," wrote Wasserman.

Cushenberry was drafted in 2020 in the third round and has been solid for the Broncos. It took him some time to find his footing in the NFL and despite starting as a rookie, he did not have a positive impact initially. After suffering an injury in his third season, he got the Pickett treatment and did not get handed his job back after his backup outperformed him. 

Being sidelined motivated him and he came back in 2023 better than ever. He controlled the line of scrimmage, was a huge asset in the run game and rarely gave up pressures in passing situations. 

Steelers Won't Find Cushenberry In The Bargain Bin

The Steelers are not the team that always goes out and makes huge splash plays in free agency. They tend to find the quality players no one is talking about and make them great or at least good. While Cushenberry isn't making the biggest splash in free agency, he is certainly getting a lot of attention. The Broncos can't afford to keep him as they have themselves in a cap nightmare after paying Russell Wilson. 

Cushenberry did himself a favor by performing so well in 2023. PFF projects him to get paid about $12.5 million a year. His outstanding play also has him getting looks from a lot of teams who didn't even know who he was in 2022.