Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
Getty
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on after a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Denver Broncos are heading into an offseason off a strong campaign, but one that showed they still have work to do on their roster. That could lead to unexpected changes, including to one of the top units on the team, the offensive line, with Ben Powers.
Denver is not in any dire straits in terms of cap space.
That has not stopped Powers from popping up on a noteworthy watchlist amid the potential outcomes for the Broncos’ roster.
Broncos Starter Name-Dropped in Trade Speculation
Ben Powers, Denver Broncos
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos blocks against the New Orleans Saints.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on March 1 that Powers is among the offensive lineman who could be “included in trades” this offseason, noting he has a “large cap” number, but also still has “potential value.”
The Broncos would save $12.7 million by cutting Powers with a post-June 1 designation, per Over The Cap.
Powers has been with the Broncos since signing in free agency in 2023.
A fourth-round pick, taken 123rd overall in 2019, he spent his first four years in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. Powers, who turns 30 in October, has started all 42 of his games played with the Broncos, but he missed nine games during the regular season due to a torn biceps.
Powers returned for the postseason, but his contract still looms large. He is signed through 2026 on a four-year, $52 million contract and has earned $41 million in his career.
However, Powers is on the Broncos’ books through 2028 due to void years on his current deal.
That could provide incentive for the Broncos to seek other remedies besides cutting Powers. Doing so would still incur $5 million in dead money. That is despite there being no more guaranteed money left on the pact.
Broncos Could Turn to Familiar Face on OL
Alex Palczewski, Denver Broncos
GettyAlex Palczewski #63 of the Denver Broncos on the field after facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Broncos have in-house options they could consider to replace Powers, including fellow veteran and teammate Calvin Throckmorton.
They turned to Alex Palczewski, a tackle by trade, when Powers got hurt, though.
Even that was after cycling through another option, Matt Peart, until he too was lost to an injury. That raises further questions about the Broncos’ plans for their roster and guard spot if Powers is not part of them.
The Broncos’ offensive line ranked fourth in Run Block Win Rate and eighth in Pass Block Win Rate this past season, per ESPN.
Shaking up a unit that relies so heavily on cohesion is a daunting challenge.
The Broncos also have veteran Michael Deiter and youngsters Nash Jones and Nick Gargiulo on the roster and under contract for 2026. They all lack the kind of experience that would generate confidence for a Bronocs team looking to compete for a Super Bowl.
Linebacker and running back have been prime speculative targets for the Broncos. Comments from head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton have fueled that.
Moving on from Powers could significantly alter their plans.
Ben Powers a Projected Extension Candidate
Ben Powers, Denver Broncos
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos in action against the New Orleans Saints.
The Broncos could keep Powers on their roster and still create some breathing room for themselves this offseason.
“Powers enters a contract year in 2026, set to earn $13M against an $18.4M cap hit,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginniti wrote in January. “He’ll return as the expected starting left guard heading into the offseason. He projects toward a 3 year, $42M extension in our system.”
Over The Cap has the Broncos with $26.2 million in space.
They could backload a contract to align with next offseason. That could create $8.9 million in additional room for 2026, when they project to be $66 million under the limit.