Alex Palczewski has stepped into an important backup role with the Denver Broncos over the past two seasons, starting 13 games during that span. He served as the swing tackle in 2024, starting three games at right tackle when Mike McGlinchey missed time with an MCL sprain before suffering a high-ankle sprain. Palczewski once again won the swing tackle job while also filling in as the third-string guard, starting ten games at left guard when Ben Powers was sidelined due to a torn bicep, and swing guard Matt Peart tore his ACL.
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The Denver Broncos’ offensive lineman is a free agent
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August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (63) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Alex Palczewski has three accrued seasons despite not playing at all in his rookie season, as he was on injured reserve for at least six regular-season games, making him a restricted free agent. The Broncos have three non-guaranteed tender options, including the right-of-first-refusal tender worth $3.520 million, a second-round tender worth $5.767 million, and a first-round tender worth $8.046 million. If Denver places a second- or first-rounder on Palczewski and refuses to match the offer sheet signed by another team, they will receive the corresponding pick.
The front office can also bypass the tender by either signing him to a contract or not tendering him at all.
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August 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (63) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Broncos declined to place a restricted free-agent tender on Alex Palczewski and instead re-signed him to a two-year deal. The salary and guaranteed money have yet to be disclosed, but he likely received a salary lower than the $3.520 million right-of-first refusal tender, potentially in exchange for some guaranteed money. Given the recent trade rumors surrounding Ben Powers, Palczewski could be the starting left guard in 2026 if Powers is moved.
The Broncos have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with OL Alex Palczewski, per source.
Palczewski started 10 games at LG in replace 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. pic.twitter.com/CzwczgSS1N
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2026
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