Left guard Ben Powers just made a move that screams commitment, accepting a restructured, one-year contract with the Broncos despite taking a significant pay cut to stay in Denver. It’s a wild turn, especially considering he was initially set to pull in a cool $13 million for 2026, none of which was guaranteed until he locked down a spot on the 53-player roster. Now, he’s got more guaranteed cash, but at a lower overall price tag, making this a true gamble for the 29-year-old and a clear statement about where he wants to be.
The Real Cost of Powers’ Secret Battle
You gotta respect the grit, even if it’s for a rival team. Powers played only eight games last season, and we’re just now finding out why things might have been tougher than anyone realized. Reports say he tore a biceps back in Week 5 against the Eagles. Ouch. But get this: he then played the final five games of the season with a previously undisclosed Lisfranc foot injury. A Lisfranc! That’s a brutal injury for an offensive lineman, essentially playing on a broken or severely sprained midfoot. The fact he gutted it out for five games on top of a torn biceps? That’s old-school tough. It explains a lot about why last season was cut short and why a new deal was necessary to make things work after such a challenging year.
A Starter’s Pay, A Starter’s Fight
While Powers took a pay cut from his initial $13 million projection, the new deal ensures he’s still making “starter money.” That’s key. It means the Broncos still value him as a potential starter, despite his recent health woes and the restructured contract. But here’s the kicker: it’s not a guaranteed starting gig anymore. Powers is now set to compete directly with Alex Palczewski for that left guard spot. Think about that for a second. Powers had been the iron man, starting every single game for the three seasons prior to last year’s injury-plagued run. Palczewski stepped in when Powers was out, showing he can handle the role. This isn’t just about money or injuries anymore; it’s a full-on battle for a crucial position on their offensive line. Every snap in camp and every drill is going to matter big time for these two as they push toward the regular season.
For the Broncos, this move solidifies their interior line competition, bringing back a veteran who clearly wants to be there, even with a body that’s been through the wringer. Powers will hit the field focused on proving he’s fully recovered and still the guy who started every game for three years. It’s going to be a fascinating competition to watch as both men fight to protect their quarterback and earn that starting role. The stakes are clear: win the job, or watch from the sidelines.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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