Broncos Lock Up Alex Palczewski on Two-Year Extension, Rewarding a Lineman Who Proved His Worth

Jason Dayee
Alex Palczewski of the Denver Broncos.

The Denver Broncos made their first in-house free agent move of the offseason Wednesday, agreeing to terms on a two-year contract extension with offensive lineman Alex Palczewski, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal, negotiated by agent Nate Richman of 3XL Sports, keeps Palczewski in Denver through the 2027 season.

For a player who entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois in 2023 and spent his entire rookie year on injured reserve, this moment carries real weight. Palczewski never got a clean shot at the NFL right away. He had to wait, grind, and earn every opportunity when it finally came. Now, he has a multi-year deal to show for it.

From Practice Squad Hopeful to Starting Lineman

Palczewski, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 314 pounds, made his regular season debut in 2024 and wasted little time making an impression. When right tackle Mike McGlinchey went down with an injury, Palczewski stepped in and started three games in his place. He held his own on the right side, and the Broncos took notice.

But 2025 was where “Palcho” really turned heads. When left guard Ben Powers suffered an injury, the Broncos turned to Palczewski again. The challenge this time was considerably bigger. He had never played on the left side of the offensive line before at the NFL level. That kind of move, from right to left, from one side of the line to the other, is not something most backups can handle without a noticeable drop in performance.

Palczewski handled it. He started 10 games at left guard, performed well enough that the Broncos did not hesitate when the time came to decide his future.

Why Denver Prioritized Keeping Palczewski

The Broncos had options here. As a restricted free agent, they could have simply extended a one-year tender, which would have allowed other teams to negotiate with Palczewski while giving Denver the right to match any offer. Instead, the organization bypassed that process entirely and gave him a multi-year deal.

That tells you something about how much the front office values him.

Versatility is currency in the NFL. A backup offensive lineman who can play both guard and tackle, on either side of the line, is not easy to find. Palczewski has now demonstrated he can fill in at right tackle and left guard without the offense falling apart. Over two seasons, he has appeared in 31 games and made 13 starts. That kind of dependable depth is exactly what teams try to build and protect.

What His Role Could Look Like in 2026

With Powers, McGlinchey and the rest of the starting five all currently under contract for 2026, Palczewski figures to enter the year as a high-level reserve and swing lineman. However, the situation is not exactly settled.

There has been speculation around the league that Denver could look to trade Powers this offseason. If that were to happen, Palczewski would immediately be in the conversation for a starting job. At 26 years old, he is entering what should be the prime years of his career, and the Broncos are clearly betting he has more upside to tap into.

Even if Powers stays and Palczewski starts 2026 as the top backup, that is a genuinely valuable role. Offensive line injuries are a near certainty over the course of a season. Having someone on the roster who has already proven he can step in and start at multiple positions is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

A Foundation Being Built Up Front

The Palczewski extension signals that the Broncos are serious about protecting their investment along the offensive line. This is the kind of quiet, unsexy roster move that often gets overlooked during a busy free agency period but pays real dividends once the regular season starts and the injury report begins to fill up.

Denver still has bigger moves to make this offseason. But keeping Palczewski was a smart, straightforward decision by a front office that clearly recognizes what he brings to this team.

He waited a long time for his shot. Now he has two more years to show exactly how good he can be.

Originally from Staten Island, New York, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Arizona, where my passion for sports continues to grow. A proud University of Arizona graduate, I developed my journalism skills covering mostly football, basketball, and a few other sports for the Daily Wildcat and UATV-3.

Now covering the Kansas City Chiefs for Total Apex Sports, I aim to tell authentic stories that highlight the journeys, triumphs, and challenges of athletes today. I’m passionate about connecting with readers through honest and insightful coverage that reflects my deep love for the game.