Ben Powers is taking a serious pay cut ahead of the 2026 NFL season, completely reshaping his contract with the Denver Broncos. This isn’t just some minor adjustment; it’s a significant move that sees the left guard agree to “less pay but more of it guaranteed,” according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. This restructure has huge implications, not just for Powers’ wallet but for his fight to keep a starting spot on that offensive line after a season plagued by injuries.
The Money Play: Less Cash, More Security
Before this new agreement, Powers was looking at roughly $13 million for the 2026 season. Here’s the kicker, though: that chunk of change wasn’t guaranteed unless he made the Broncos’ final 53-man roster. Think about that for a second. That’s a massive amount of uncertainty for any player. Now, with the restructured deal, Powers gets more security, knowing that his pay is locked in, even if the overall number is lower. It’s a classic player’s gamble: trade potential upside for rock-solid certainty, especially when you’ve been battling the injury bug. For the Broncos, it’s a clear win on the salary cap front, giving them some much-needed relief. While the exact details of the new deal aren’t known, the message is clear: the team wanted cap flexibility, and Powers wanted guaranteed cash.
Injury Nightmare and a Starting Job on the Line
This contract drama isn’t happening in a vacuum; it’s directly tied to Powers’ brutal injury history last season. Can you believe this? Powers suffered a Lisfranc injury in mid-December. And get this: that was his first game back after a biceps injury! The guy literally played through a broken foot for two more regular season games and two postseason matchups before finally getting offseason surgery. Talk about grit, but also talk about putting his long-term health, and possibly his career, at risk. He missed a staggering nine games last season, and during that time, Alex Palczewski stepped up big. Palczewski proved he could handle the pressure, and now, “this summer,” he’s reportedly going to push Powers hard for that starting left guard spot. This isn’t just about money anymore; it’s a full-on fight for a job.
So, what does this all mean for the Broncos as they head into training camp? Ben Powers now has the security of guaranteed money, but he’s walking into an undeniable battle for his starting position. Alex Palczewski isn’t going anywhere, and you know he’s hungry to prove he deserves that LG spot. This summer’s competition for the offensive line is going to be fierce. Everyone will be watching to see how Powers, now healthy, responds to the challenge and whether his gamble on guaranteed money pays off with a starting gig.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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