Matt Peart, Denver Broncos
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Matt Peart #79 of the Denver Broncos looks to block against the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on August 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos made a financially-motivated decision regarding their roster during what is a slower portion of free agency, reaching a deal with veteran offensive lineman Matt Peart as the 2026 draft looms.
Peart has been with the Broncos since signing with the club in free agency during the 2024 offseason.
This past season was cut short for the veteran, leading to a change of plans with the team.
Broncos Agree to Revised Deal With Matt Peart
Matt Peart, Denver Broncos
GettyLucas Krull #85, Audric Estime #37, Matt Peart #79, and Calvin Throckmorton #76 of the Denver Broncos.
“OT Matt Peart signed a 1 year, $2M restructured contract with the #Broncos that includes $755,000 guaranteed, representing a $1.5M pay cut,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti reported on X on March 19.
“The deal frees up $1.58M of cap space for Denver.”
Peart was on an expiring two-year, $7 million deal with a $425,000 roster bonus and $755,000 guaranteed. The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson explained why the outcome was surprising.
“There was speculation #Broncos could cut OL Matt Peart,” Tomasson reported on X. “Had OL Matt Peart been cut, he likely wouldn’t have been able to land a one-year, $2 million deal with another team coming off MCL injury. So he can make that amount with #Broncos if he indeed remains on the team in 2026.”
Peart, who turns 29 in June, has started 10 of his 66 career games played. A third-round pick, taken 99th overall in the 2020 draft by the New York Giants, has three starts in 23 games in a Broncos uniform.
Peart brings a veteran presence and versatility in a backup role for a vaunted Broncos O-line.
Matt Peart Suffered Setback Amid Major Opportunity
The Broncos turned to Peart this past season, moving him into the starting lineup to replace an injured Ben Powers. Powers had suffered a torn biceps and was forced to miss time, leading to an offensive line shuffle for Denver.
Peart, a tackle, drew the start at left guard for the Broncos in Week 6 against the New York Jets. It was his first start since Week 16 of the 2024 season against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Unlike his first start, the Broncos defeated the Jets.
Unfortunately for Peart, he suffered a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve. Peart returned for the Broncos’ playoff run. However, the Brocnos had already turned to Alex Palczewski as the fill-in starter, and Powers was working his way back into form as a reserve.
Now, Peart returns after filling in multiple roles, though the Brocos surely hope they are not forced to turn to him or any of their backups for an extended period next season.
Broncos O-Line Due for an Influx of Youth
Garett Bolles
GettyGarett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Peart’s return highlights one potential question facing the Broncos, who have built one of the best rosters in the entire NFL under head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton’s watch.
They have several offensive linemen who will be 26 or younger when the 2026 season ends, but only one of them is a starter: right guard Quinn Meinerz.
That is less of an issue for linemen, where three of the Broncos’ starters will be 30 or older.
Backups Alex Forsyth and Frank Crum are experienced. Fellow reserves Nash Jones and Nick Gargiulo are not, and the only way to get experience is by playing. That is why the dropoff between starting offensive linemen and backups is often so steep.
Peart’s return keeps the Broncos’ depth intact. It does not fully address their long-term questions up front, particularly at tackle behind Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey.