The Tennessee Titans have made significant moves in the free agency market, securing the services of cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and center Lloyd Cushenberry.
Awuzie’s contract spans three years, amounting to $25.5 million, with $17.5 million guaranteed, as confirmed by a source to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Meanwhile, Cushenberry has inked a four-year deal worth $50 million, with $26 million guaranteed at signing, as reported by Pro Football Focus.
Despite facing a challenging recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee sustained in 2022, Awuzie showcased his prowess by starting in 10 out of 15 games for the Cincinnati Bengals last season.
Prior to his injury, he was hailed as the Bengals’ premier cornerback and one of the league’s most formidable pass defenders. Notably, during the initial eight weeks of the 2022 season, Awuzie ranked fifth in the NFL for catches allowed below expectation, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Titans Secure Cornerstone Players: Awuzie and Cushenberry Signings Bolster Defensive and Offensive Lines (Credits: The Tenesssean)Awuzie’s impact on the Bengals was evident following his signing in 2021 on a three-year, $21.75 million deal. Over 37 appearances with Cincinnati, he started in 32 games, registering 25 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Despite the Bengals’ recent investments in cornerback talent through draft picks, Awuzie’s contribution remained significant.
Having entered the league in 2017 as a second-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys, Awuzie boasts an impressive track record with 369 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 6 interceptions, and 62 passes defensed across seven NFL seasons.
Cushenberry, a third-round selection in the 2020 draft, played an integral role for the Broncos last season, participating in nearly every snap. Amidst a turbulent campaign, Cushenberry demonstrated his best form within a relatively stable offensive line unit, with the Broncos fielding the same starting five linemen for 16 consecutive games until the season finale.
Highlighted by his improved power at the point of attack, Cushenberry’s consistency and adept pre-snap decision-making earned praise from quarterback Russell Wilson and coach Sean Payton. Having started all 57 games he’s played over the last four seasons, with over 1,000 snaps logged in three of those years, Cushenberry has solidified his position as a reliable force on the field.
