Alex Palczewski, Denver Broncos
Getty
Alex Palczewski #63 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Denver Broncos are trying to build off their AFC Championship Game run from this past season, and that starts with fine-tuning their roster this offseason. That does not always mean splashy moves, as the Broncos’ decision on Alex Palczewski showed.
A former undrafted free agent, Palczewski is coming off his second season with the Broncos.
He has shown a team-first mentality, putting his versatility on display while also developing a fanbase within the fanbase.
Broncos Agree to Deal With ‘Cult Hero’
Alex Palczewski, Denver Broncos
GettyAlex Palczewski #63 of the Denver Broncos on the field after facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“The Broncos have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with OL Alex Palczewski, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X on March 5.
“Palczewski started 10 games at LG in [place] of injured Ben Powers last year and three games at RT in 2024. Now locked in through 2027 on a deal negotiated by Nate Richman of @3XLSports.”
Palczewski, who turns 27 in August, joined the Broncos as a UDFA out of Illinois in 2023.
He did not play as a rookie, but he has since appeared in 31 contests and started 13 of them, including 10 games this past season.
Before that, Palczewski operated as the Broncos’ sixth offensive lineman, often reporting as eligible amid raucous cheers, becoming, as Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason described him in September 2025, “cult hero” in Denver.
The news was well-received in Broncos Country.
Broncos Country Reacts to News
Alex Palczewski, Denver Broncos
GettyAlex Palczewski of the Denver Broncos reacts after facing the New York Jets.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens noted Palczewski’s positional versatility–he is a right tackle by trade, but can also play both guard spots–calling him a “great piece” along the Broncos’ O-line.
“‘Palcho’ was an RFA and proved himself a valuable commodity in Denver,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted. “Can play on the right side and also started at LG when Ben Powers went down.”
Official details on the dollar amount remain unclear.
“Palczewski was an RFA in line for $3.52m low tender or $5.77m second-round tender,” 9News’ Mike Klis posted. “Negotiations no doubt started there.”
Palczewski was on a three-year, $2.7 million contract, which he signed with the Broncos as a rookie. The Broncos have boasted one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. And while he has not been a starter, Palczewski has stepped up when called upon.
Alex Palczewski Could Be in Line For Full-Time Starting Job
Ben Powers, Denver Broncos
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos blocks against the New Orleans Saints.
Palczewski’s starts in Powers’ place, while the latter recovered from a torn bicep, may have been an audition.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti wrote that Powers could be an extension candidate.
“Powers enters a contract year in 2026, set to earn $13M against an $18.4M cap hit,” Ginnitti wrote in January. “A bicep injury cut the 29-year-old’s 2025 campaign in half, but he’ll return as the expected starting left guard heading into the offseason. He projects toward a 3 year, $42M extension in our system.”
However, the Broncos are expected to at least explore the idea of cutting ties with Powers this offseason. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicted that Powers could be included in trade packages, citing his cap number.
That would clear a path for Palczewski to stay in the starting lineup, a role he surrendered once Powers returned and got back up to speed.