Green Bay Packers Could Pursue Recently Released Center

The Green Bay Packers have plenty of needs to address to solidify the roster for Super Bowl contention. While the cornerback room and defensive line have been listed as needs, Green Bay will also need to look for a starting center.

The Packers moved Elgton Jenkins to center for the 2026 season, but he struggled at the position before going down with a season-ending injury in Week 10. Sean Rhyan filled in for the remainder of the season and was solid with run blocking, but struggled in pass protection.

As Rhyan enters free agency and with Jenkins likely to be cut, the Packers could be in the market to bring in a new center.

One option they will have is the newly released center, Lloyd Cushenberry. Cushenberry spent his first four seasons as a solid starting center for the Denver Broncos. He then inked a four-year $50 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, but struggled, leading to his release just two years into the contract.

Cushenberry could be an option for the Packers, as he will likely be a cheap option. Green Bay has other needs to address in the draft and in free agency, so adding a cheap center with starting experience may be the way for Brian Gutekunst and the front office to go.

However, Green Bay may not believe Cushenberry will have a bounce-back season and opt to address the center position via the draft or with another free agent.

The Packers haven't been afraid to draft a center and start them immediately in a win-now position before. Green Bay drafted Corey Linsley and Josh Myers and started them as rookies despite being in the midst of contending.

Regardless of how the Packers opt to bring in their next center, it's pivotal they get it right. 

Quarterback Jordan Love is coming off the best season of his career as he completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Having an offensive line that keeps Love clean in the pocket will only help the passing game improve in 2026.

The Packers are in their all-in window, and it's up to Gutekunst and the front office to improve positions like center for the 2026 season.

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