Bears Better Hope These 6 Players Don't Get the Franchise Tag
By Todd Welter
Lloyd Cushenberry III
This is a good free-agent market at center. The Chicago Bears have to upgrade that position on the offensive line no matter who is the starting quarterback.
Connor Williams is considered the best free-agent center, but he will be coming off a torn ACL. Andre James is considered the second-best free agent, but Cushenberry has better blocking grades according to Pro Football Focus.
Cushenberry is also the better pass blocker than James. Pass blocking has been the weakest part of the centers the Bears have rolled out the past two seasons. If Cushenberry does get the franchise tag, it will not be the end of the world as there are plenty of options for the Bears to go with in free agency.
Evan Brown was the center in Seattle for new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and he will be available in free agency.