Alex Palczewski signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent back in 2023 and quickly made an impression on them. He was a standout player during training camp and saw himself pushing for a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster. In a bittersweet sort of fashion, Palczewski would make the Broncos’ 53-man roster, but would be placed on the injured reserve a day later. He would remain on the IR until very late in the season, when they activated him to the main roster.
In year two, Palczewski
saw his role grow further and made his career debut in place of the injured Mike McGlinchey. In that limited action, he proved he could hold his own and became one of the Broncos’ best reserve offensive linemen on the team.
This past year for the Broncos, Palczewski elevated himself from a versatile backup to a potential starter. He started the year as the 6th offensive lineman who reported eligible during games, which drew a cheer from the crowd. However, after starting left guard Ben Powers went down, an opportunity presented itself. Veteran Matt Peart initially replaced Powers, but after he suffered a season-ending injury in his first game as the replacement, Palcho took over and never looked back.
Palczewski would go on to start a total of 10 games for the Broncos at left guard, a position he had never played before, and frankly, looked pretty good. The offense never missed a beat while he was out there, and he proved to the Broncos and the NFL that he is a starting-caliber player.
This past offseason, Palczewski was a restricted free agent, but instead of placing a tender on him, the Broncos rewarded Palcho with a two-year extension worth $9.5 million dollars. Now, he enters his fourth season with the Broncos as their top reserve offensive lineman who could potentially push for a starting job.
Player Profile
Alex Palczewski | Offensive Line | Denver Broncos
- Height: 6-6
- Weight: 314 pounds
- Age: 26 years old (Turns 27 in August)
- Experience: 4th NFL season
- 2025 stats: Played in all 17 games and had 10 starts
Alex Palczewski’s outlook with the Broncos in 2026
Is Alex Palczewski pushing veteran Ben Powers for the starting left guard job? I could be creating drama where there isn’t any, but I believe this could be in the cards. After Palczewski signed his extension, there was talk that Ben Powers could be on the trade block, or even released. However, it was later reported that the Broncos would not ask Powers to take a pay cut, would not be trading or releasing him, and that he is their starting left guard.
All the noise around Powers potentially being moved ended there. However, the Broncos would then draft offensive lineman Kage Casey in the 4th round of the 2026 NFL Draft and announce that he would be focusing on left guard.
Hmmmm.
Then we find out that Powers has not been practicing and that Palczewski has been getting the first-team reps at left guard. Head Coach Sean Payton told reporters that Powers is “doing well” and right on schedule, praised Palczewski, and said that they are really pleased with the depth and experience in that room.
“Well first: Ben’s doing well. With ‘Palcho’ (T Alex Palczewski), the thing that we saw, and the thing that we’ve seen for a couple years now, is flexibility, his football I.Q., his intelligence. You feel a very experienced player. Ben’s right on schedule to where we thought he’d be at this point. We’re really pleased with the depth and experience in that room.”
Again, I could be making something out of nothing, but I believe this is a scenario to keep an eye on moving forward. Powers is entering the final year of his deal, and Palczewski just signed an extension; he has proven he can start, they drafted a left guard in the 4th round, and could save some money and cap space if they moved on from Powers.
It could be something, or it could be nothing.
At the very least, Palcho gives the Broncos a versatile lineman who has proven he can hold his own at right tackle and left guard and is likely their 6th offensive lineman on Sundays. They rewarded him with a contract extension, and he figures to be a very important reserve player, or potentially even a starter for the Broncos this upcoming season.
Final Thoughts
Having a player with the versatility and talent of Palczewski as a backup is a great thing to have. Offensive line depth is not great league-wide, and having a player who could start at left guard or even right tackle for a team right now as a backup makes the Broncos ‘ top-ranked offensive line unit even better.
At the very least, I believe he will be their 6th offensive lineman who reports eligible at times and their top backup at left guard and right tackle. As I also noted, I think he will push for the starting left guard job and make the Broncos consider moving on from veteran left guard Ben Powers.
With that said, why not keep the unit strong and keep all the players? The Broncos are Super Bowl contenders, and injuries will happen. So, having a talented player like Palcho as a reserve ready and waiting when needed could be something the Broncos would like to have just in case.
