Denver Broncos Could Save $12.7M by Cutting Ben Powers Season

Denver Broncos are poised to clear $12.7 million from the payroll by cutting 17‑game starter Ben Powers, according to NFL insider Nick Kosmider. The decision could free cap space for a top‑tier pass‑rusher while the club sits 14th in the NFC with a 5‑12 record and a one‑game winning streak.

Why is Ben Powers a "surprise cut" candidate?

Kosmider flagged Powers after the veteran missed the offseason program and showed no practice footage for the media. Coach Sean Payton only noted that Powers, who missed half of last season with a torn biceps, is "right on schedule" for his recovery. Meanwhile, Alex Palczewski, who earned a two‑year extension in March, performed solidly at left guard during the offseason, making Powers expendable.

How does the contract impact the cap?

Powers signed a four‑year, $51.5 million deal before the 2023 season, with an $18.2 million cap hit slated for 2026 – the ninth‑highest for a guard. By restructuring his contract in 2024, he turned $10.875 million of his salary into a signing bonus, clearing $8.7 million in cap space. Cutting him now would release the remaining $12.7 million, a figure that matches the market price for a quality edge rusher.

What do performance metrics say?

Pro Football Focus gave Powers a 63.9 overall grade in 2024, ranking him 56th out of 138 eligible guards. The following year his grade slipped to 62.4, reinforcing the view that he is a replacement‑level player. Bleacher Report even listed him as the NFL’s most overpaid player after the March free‑agency boom. Those numbers, combined with zero Pro Bowl selections, make his contract look steep.

What are the next steps for Denver?

If the Broncos move on Powers, they could redirect the savings toward a proven pass‑rusher, addressing a glaring need on the defensive line. The club’s next test comes against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 15, 2026. A roster tweak before that matchup could signal a shift in strategy as Denver aims to climb out of the NFC’s lower tier.

How does this fit into Sean Payton’s broader plan?

Payton has drafted only two offensive linemen in his first three years, both in the seventh round – Alex Forsyth in 2023 and Nick Gargiulo in 2024. The scarcity of young talent at guard amplifies the importance of veteran decisions. By trimming Powers, the Broncos would rely on Palczewski’s continuity and potentially promote a younger player, while freeing money for defensive upgrades.

The Broncos’ front office faces a classic cap‑management dilemma: keep a high‑priced, underperforming starter or cut him and chase a high‑impact defender. With the team sitting 5‑12 and looking to snap a losing streak, the financial flexibility could be the difference between a mediocre season and a competitive push.

Bottom line: Cutting Ben Powers could unlock $12.7 million, a sum that matches the price tag of a top edge rusher and may help Denver break out of its current NFC standing.