Broncos feel 'fortunate' to have young, developmental lineman

Alex Palczewski has earned a larger role.

Palczewski (6-6, 314 pounds) originally joined the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois in 2023. He emerged as a key swing backup in his second season, starting three fill-in games in 2024. "Palcho" then followed that up by starting 10 games in 2025, providing cover at both tackle and guard.

After starting his career as a backup right tackle and right guard, Palczewski filled in for injured left guard Ben Powers last fall, and he performed well.

“He never played on the left side in his career, as far as I know, I don’t even think at Illinois," Broncos general manager George Paton said at the NFL combine. "It’s a credit to him. He’s big, he’s smart and he’s really tough. It didn’t always look really pretty, but he played well.

"That is just an added bonus. He played well at right tackle when he had to start there when ‘Mac’ (Mike McGlinchey) was out. Again, he’s a young developmental player who has kind of hit his stride and we are fortunate to have him.”

Palczewski performed so well last season that there's been speculation Denver could trade Powers this offseason and replace him with Palczewski. The 26-year-old lineman is currently scheduled to become a restricted free agent next week, but it won't be difficult for the Broncos to retain him. Palcho seems likely to get a contract extension in Denver, and he might also be a candidate for more playing time in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Broncos feel 'fortunate' to have OL Alex Palczewski