May 19, 2026, 1:38 AM CUT

Sean Payton Told What To Do About $16.99M Headache Amid Uncertain Future

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on as players warm up before the AFC Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 17 AFC Divisional Round Bills at Broncos EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon132260117154

The Denver Broncos finally have some breathing room. The dead cap hit that came with Russell Wilson is gone.

However, cap experts are issuing a strict warning to Sean Payton and company: leave Mike McGlinchey’s contract alone.

"After signing as a free agent in 2023, McGlinchey has two years left on his current deal. He is due a $16.99 million base salary and a $510K per-game roster bonus in 2026 and in 2027. None of that money is guaranteed, though," Bob Morris of the Denver Broncos on SI reported May 17.

Denver signed the veteran right tackle to a massive five-year, $87.5 million deal in 2023. But the hidden debt from previous restructures has come due.

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton 49 celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 25 AFC Championship Game Patriots at Broncos EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon132260125429

For this season, McGlinchey’s total cap hit has ballooned to over $23 million, driven by a high $16.99 million base salary.

Restructuring merely pushes debt into future years. Denver’s long-term blueprint revolves entirely around franchise quarterback Bo Nix, who will need a contract extension in a year or two.

Trading McGlinchey right now would trigger a $15.325 million dead-money penalty while saving the team $8.45 million.

The smartest move Payton can make right now is to pay McGlinchey his high salary today since Denver can finally afford it. This keeps future cap space perfectly clean for Nix.

What Would Happen If Sean Payton Decided To Renew Mike McGlinchey’s Contract

If Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and the front office decide to give offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey a contract extension, it would significantly shake up the team's financial strategy.

"While McGlinchey's contract could, in theory, be restructured to gain cap space either now or next season, it would come with a price: the Broncos would have to add void years to the deal to maximize the amount of space gained," Morris added.

By extending him, the Broncos would gain the ability to restructure his current deal, which frees up immediate cash and salary cap space for this season or the next.

"That, in turn, would increase the dead-money charges that come when his deal expires — unless the Broncos extend him. However, there's no guarantee the Broncos will do so," Morris explained.

However, this financial relief comes with a catch. It would force the team to push financial charges into the future, creating a heavy dead money burden against their future budgets if things don't work out.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore