Broncos' $52 Million Offensive Lineman Labeled as Most Overpaid Player

Ben Powers, the team's left guard, is making too much money according to NFL analysts.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:43pm

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The Denver Broncos have built a strong roster, but one contract stands out as an overpay - the $52 million deal for offensive lineman Ben Powers. Powers, the team's left guard, is being paid $18.2 million in 2026, which is the 9th highest cap hit at his position. While he is tasked with protecting young quarterback Bo Nix, analysts consider Powers a 'replacement-level player' without any Pro Bowl selections on his resume.

Why it matters

The Broncos have limited cap space, so allocating over 6% of it to an average offensive lineman could be seen as a poor use of resources, especially with Nix on a rookie deal. However, the team may view Powers as crucial to protecting their young QB, even if the contract is an overpay by traditional standards.

The details

Ben Powers signed a 7-year, $52 million contract with the Broncos in the 2023 offseason. He is set to have an $18.2 million cap hit in 2026, which is the 9th highest at the guard position. Powers missed significant time due to injury in 2025, further fueling the perception that he is overpaid for his level of production.

  • Powers signed his 7-year contract with the Broncos in the 2023 offseason.
  • Powers is set to have an $18.2 million cap hit for the Broncos in the 2026 season.

The players

Ben Powers

A 7-year veteran offensive lineman who signed a $52 million contract with the Denver Broncos. He is considered a 'replacement-level player' by analysts despite his high salary.

Bo Nix

The young quarterback of the Denver Broncos, who is on a rookie contract, making Powers' high salary more noticeable.

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What they’re saying

“Denver's offensive line is fantastic, but Powers is clearly the weakest link. The left guard is a replacement-level player who missed significant time due to injury in 2025 and is entering his age-30 campaign with no Pro Bowl nods on his resume. His $18.2 million cap hit for 2026 is the ninth-highest at the position.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

If Powers can stay healthy and help the Broncos return to the playoffs and win a Super Bowl in 2026, his $18.2 million cap hit may not feel like as much of an overpay given the rising NFL salary cap.

The takeaway

This contract for Ben Powers highlights the challenges NFL teams face in balancing the need to protect young quarterbacks like Bo Nix with the realities of the salary cap. While Powers may be overpaid, the Broncos likely view him as crucial to their Super Bowl aspirations, even if the contract doesn't align with traditional value metrics.