Two Denver Broncos players have been named by Pro Football Focus on a list of the top 100 pending free agents in 2024.
Linebacker Josey Jewell (No. 78) and center Lloyd Cushenberry (No. 57) were the only Broncos named on the list. Both have proven to be extremely successful players on their respective sides of the ball.
Cushenberry was the starting center for all 17 games in 2023, and is a force against the pass and run. “Cushenberry uses heavy hands and a good anchor to win against a growing list of quality pass-rushers on the interior, bolstering his value more each year,” Brad Spielberger wrote on PFF’s website. “He may be served better in a gap-heavy rushing scheme, but any limitations as a run blocker in space are vastly outweighed by his pass-blocking strength.”
Jewell has over 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons, and alongside fellow linebacker Alex Singleton, has been an effective one-two punch in the middle of the field. “Jewell may not be great in any one facet of linebacker play, but he’s good in all of them,” Spielberger wrote.” And a well-rounded linebacker is an asset to any defense. Jewell covers well in zone, with good spacial awareness to get proper depth, and has the ability to come forward and blitz up the middle on occasion.”
According to PFF, Cushenberry could draw a four-year contract worth approximately $57 million, while Jewell could sign a projected two-year, $12.5 million deal. Denver general manager George Paton has made it a point to sign internal role players before targeting outside free agents, so it remains to be seen if he will continue to follow that pattern.
Jewell and Cushenberry are among the team’s most notable looming free agents. NFL free agency is set to begin in March.
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