Broncos Restructure Guard Quinn Meinerz's Contract, Create $11M in Cap Space

The move gives Denver flexibility ahead of free agency as they look to bolster their backfield.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Denver Broncos are restructuring the contract of All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz, creating approximately $11 million in additional salary cap space. This will provide the team with more flexibility as they approach the start of the NFL's legal tampering period, where they are expected to be active in the running back market.

Why it matters

The Broncos have been busy re-signing their own players and are working on bringing back veteran linebacker Alex Singleton. This extra cap space will allow them to be more aggressive in free agency, particularly at the running back position, where they are rumored to be interested in top free agents like Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, and JK Dobbins.

The details

According to reports, the Broncos' restructure of Meinerz's contract will create roughly $11 million in additional cap space. This move is not yet finalized but is expected to be completed soon, possibly as early as tonight. The Broncos have several other players, including Jonathon Cooper, Mike McGlinchey, Talanoa Hufanga, and Pat Surtain II, who could also be restructuring candidates to open up more cap room if needed. The team may also explore trades or releases, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham and veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw mentioned as potential cap casualties.

  • The Broncos' restructure of Meinerz's contract is expected to be finalized as early as tonight.
  • The NFL's legal tampering period begins tomorrow, March 10, 2026.

The players

Quinn Meinerz

An All-Pro guard for the Denver Broncos who is having his contract restructured to create additional salary cap space.

Alex Singleton

A veteran linebacker and team captain for the Denver Broncos who the team is working to re-sign.

Jonathon Cooper

A player for the Denver Broncos who could be a candidate for a contract restructure to create additional cap space.

Mike McGlinchey

A player for the Denver Broncos who could be a candidate for a contract restructure to create additional cap space.

Talanoa Hufanga

A player for the Denver Broncos who could be a candidate for a contract restructure to create additional cap space.

Pat Surtain II

A player for the Denver Broncos who could be a candidate for a contract restructure to create additional cap space.

Jarrett Stidham

The Denver Broncos' backup quarterback who has been mentioned in trade rumors.

Dre Greenlaw

A veteran linebacker for the Denver Broncos who could be a potential cap casualty.

Kenneth Walker

A top free agent running back who the Denver Broncos are expected to pursue.

Travis Etienne

A top free agent running back who the Denver Broncos are expected to pursue, including Etienne who played for the team last season.

JK Dobbins

A top free agent running back who the Denver Broncos are expected to pursue.

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What they’re saying

“This restructure gives the Broncos a good chunk of change to work with as we near the start of the legal tampering period tomorrow. The team has been busy re-signing a lot of their own players and is working on bringing back veteran linebacker and team captain, Alex Singleton. This restructure gives them some extra wiggle room to work with in the coming days.”

— Luca Evans, Reporter, The Denver Post (The Denver Post)

What’s next

The Broncos are expected to be heavy players in the running back market once legal tampering opens tomorrow, and could use the additional cap space to sign a top free agent back. The top backs available include Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, and JK Dobbins, who played for the Broncos last season.

The takeaway

The Broncos' restructuring of Quinn Meinerz's contract creates valuable salary cap flexibility as the team looks to bolster its backfield and retain key players like Alex Singleton ahead of free agency. This move demonstrates the team's proactive approach to managing the cap and positioning themselves for success in the upcoming season.