The Denver Broncos' left guard Ben Powers proved his toughness when the team needed him the most, but that did not shield him from a difficult business decision. The guard is ready to remain in Denver even after a salary cut.

Ben Powers was scheduled to earn $13 million this season, but he agreed to restructure a one-year deal with the Broncos that includes a salary cut while increasing guaranteed money, despite playing through injuries last season.

"Despite the toughness Powers displayed last season and throughout his life, much less his career, the Broncos asked him to take a pay cut, presumably because of the two major injuries he suffered last season and also because Palczewski has emerged to challenge for his job," wrote author Mike Klis of 9 News.

Mike Klis discussed the decision on 9 News, which showed Denver's balancing act between rewarding experience and preparing for the future. Powers suffered a torn biceps injury that needed surgery before later returning to play through a Lisfranc foot injury.

Playing as a left guard is one of the more difficult positions in football, as it involves heavy contact, blocking massive defensive tackles, and protecting the QB's blind side.

However, Alex Palczewski impressed while filling in at left guard, giving the Broncos confidence that they have another backup option if needed.

Powers enters camp facing competition against Palczewski. His experience before last season's injuries and willingness to sacrifice financially could still help him reclaim the starting job.

The left guard has started 40 games and appeared in 42 games since joining Denver from the Baltimore Ravens.

Across those three seasons, Powers has allowed nine sacks while committing only three penalties, placing him among the cleaner and more reliable pass-protecting left guards in the NFL.

His discipline and consistency compare well with established veterans such as Joe Thuney and Quenton Nelson, who are widely regarded as benchmarks at the position. He originally carried a cap hit approaching $18 million in 2026.

His reworked contract eases Denver's financial burden while keeping an experienced starter in the offensive line room.

This isn't the first time the Broncos have gone through with a player's salary cut. In 2022, Graham Glasgow accepted a significant pay cut (roughly $3 million) after losing his starting job. The restructure helped him stay with the Broncos for the season.

While the contract restructure has made the headlines, Powers' determination to return from injury may be the most inspiring part of his journey.

Ben Powers reveals what fueled his remarkable comeback

Last season, during Week 5, in the comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles, Powers was rushed home after he tore his biceps, which is usually considered a season-ending injury.

But somehow Powers made it back to the final three regular-season games and two playoff games.

“He goes, ‘We’re saving your season. It’s a 10-to-12-week thing, and we’re going to be back.’ So from the get-go, we knew immediately that the goal was to get back. The doc says I’ve got this surgery technique, and we’re going to roll with it. And I said, ‘H*** yeah, let’s do it," said Powers in an interview.

The Broncos' linemen refused to end his season. He embraced the aggressive rehabilitation plan after doctors assured him that surgery could get him back on the field. Powers chose to fight and has earned respect inside the franchise.

His comeback has been an example of the mindset required to survive in the NFL.

What are your views on the left guard, Ben Powers, agreeing to the salary cut even after a major injury? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Kalp Thaker