Denver Broncos left guard Ben Powers put together a decent 2025 campaign, holding up in pass protection, but was unable to boost the running game, while missing half the year due to injury. He allowed a 3.9% pressure rate, 14 hurries, and one quarterback hit across 10 games and eight starts, while the ground game ranked 16th in rushing yards. Powers missed nine games (Weeks 6-15) due to a torn left bicep, returned in Week 16, and later regained his starting spot for the final three contests.
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The Denver Broncos’ veteran could be on the chopping block
Denver Broncos, George Paton
Sep 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos general manager George Paton before the game against the Houston Texans at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Given his recent injury, not living up to the contract, the Broncos potentially looking to bolster the position in the offseason, and his cap hit, Ben Powers is considered a cap casualty. He is scheduled to earn a $11.99 million base salary, a $500,000 roster bonus due March 15, a per-game bonus totaling $510,000, $13 million in cash, and a $18.15 million cap charge, the seventh-highest by a left guard in 2026. With a standard release, the front office clears $8.38 million while taking on $9.77 million in dead cap, compared to a post-June 1 designation, which frees $12.73 million along with $5.42 million dead cap in 2026 and $4.35 million in 2027.
The Broncos are exploring trade for the 29-year-old
Denver Broncos, Ben Powers
August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos guard Ben Powers (74) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Broncos are attempting to trade the 29-year-old, hoping to receive draft compensation rather than cutting him outright. A trading team would be on the hook for Powers’ base salary, roster bonus, and per-game bonus, essentially a one-year, $13 million contract. It’s unclear whether the front office will release him if they can’t find a trade suitor.
“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,” Fowler said.