Broncos Weigh Potential Trade of Starting Offensive Lineman

Fourth-year undrafted player's strong play gives team flexibility to deal veteran guard Ben Powers

Mar. 2, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The Denver Broncos are reportedly considering trading starting offensive guard Ben Powers this offseason, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Powers has a large salary cap hit, and the Broncos could save over $7 million by dealing him after June 1. The team has seen strong play from undrafted fourth-year lineman Alex Palczewski, who filled in capably when Powers missed time last season due to injury. This gives the Broncos confidence they could move on from Powers and still have quality depth on the offensive line.

Why it matters

Maintaining continuity on the offensive line is crucial in the NFL, but the Broncos may feel they have enough depth to potentially trade away a starter like Powers. This move could provide salary cap relief and allow the team to target other free agents, while still having faith in Palczewski to step into a larger role.

The details

Powers, who is entering the final year of his contract, missed nine games last season due to a torn biceps. In his absence, Palczewski performed well filling in at guard. The Broncos initially turned to Matt Peart to replace Powers, but he went down with a knee injury, leading to Palczewski taking over the starting role. Palczewski's strong play over the past three seasons as the team's top reserve lineman has given the Broncos confidence they could move on from Powers.

  • Powers suffered a torn biceps in Week 5 of the 2025 season.
  • Palczewski took over the starting guard role after Peart's injury in Week 6.
  • The Broncos could save $12.7 million against the 2026 salary cap by trading Powers after June 1.

The players

Ben Powers

A starting offensive guard for the Denver Broncos who is entering the final year of his contract.

Alex Palczewski

A fourth-year undrafted offensive lineman for the Denver Broncos who filled in capably when Powers was injured last season.

Matt Peart

An offensive lineman for the Denver Broncos who started in place of the injured Powers but suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos who is focused on maintaining continuity along the offensive line.

Jeremy Fowler

An ESPN reporter who reported that the Broncos could trade offensive lineman Ben Powers this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Two offensive linemen to potentially be included in trades are Green Bay's Elgton Jenkins and Denver's Ben Powers. Both have large cap hits and potential value”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Broncos will need to decide if they want to keep Powers or explore trading him this offseason. If they do trade him, they will likely look to add depth at the offensive line position, either through free agency or the draft.

The takeaway

The Broncos' willingness to potentially trade a starting offensive lineman like Ben Powers shows their confidence in their depth, particularly in the emergence of undrafted lineman Alex Palczewski. This move could provide salary cap relief while maintaining quality on the offensive line, a key priority for head coach Sean Payton.