Cushenberry appeared in eight games in 2024 before the Achilles tear, then started 15 games in 2025 after a stint on the physically unable to perform list. Despite a solid pass-block win rate prior to the injury, the contract and on-field results did not justify the price tag, and the Titans chose to move on.
The release comes as part of a broader offseason roster purge led by general manager Mike Borgonzi, who also parted ways with safety Xavier Woods in the same wave of moves. The Titans’ aggressive roster reshaping continues, with several high-cost veterans potentially departing in the near term.
With Cushenberry out, the Titans currently lack an established center to protect Cam Ward. The center market for 2026 is thin beyond top options, placing Tennessee in a challenging position to address the interior line through free agency or the draft.
Analysts note that the team still faces significant needs at edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver. Reallocating resources to shore up those areas could influence how aggressively Tennessee pursues interior-line upgrades in free agency or with premium draft capital.
For Tennessee, the central question now is how to stabilize the interior of the offensive line without derailing its broader rebuild. The club faces a tight timeline as free agency opens in March and the roster transitions accelerate.
Overall, Cushenberry’s release marks a key pivot for the Titans’ 2026 plans, elevating center as a priority while continuing the strategic overhaul started by Borgonzi. The coming weeks will reveal how Tennessee balances immediate protection needs with longer-term roster development.
