Editor’s note: Fifth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, offensive line. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.
On the roster (15): Quinn Bailey, Garett Bolles, Frank Crum, Alex Forsyth, Nick Gargiulo, Demontrey Jacobs, Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz, Sam Mustipher, Alex Palczewski, Matt Peart, Ben Powers, Will Sherman, Calvin Throckmorton and Luke Wattenberg.
How many on the 53? 8-10
Most impactful offseason move: Retaining but not committing long-term to Bolles.
The other impactful move, of course, was letting center Lloyd Cushenberry walk in free agency back in March. He cashed in with a four-year deal worth up to $50 million from Tennessee. As for the left tackle Bolles, the Broncos could have cut him and saved $16 million on the salary cap — more than it would have taken to re-sign Cushenberry — or they could have extended him and saved money on the cap. Instead, Bolles enters the final year of his deal with the biggest cap hit on the team and no security beyond this year. So is he simply a bridge to a cheaper future at LT? Is this a prove-it year? Could an extension get done during camp? Denver made it clear all offseason they weren’t looking to trade the 32-year-old. He dutifully showed up to all of the team’s voluntary workouts despite the lame-duck feel to his situation. So, what now?
Biggest question to answer in camp: Does Meinerz get a mega-extension before the season starts?
The Denver left guard is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The market for guards has been booming around the NFL. Meinerz, a third-round pick in 2021, established himself as one of the best in the game last year. So, will the Broncos pony up this summer? An in-season extension could be in the cards, too, but if Denver lets Meinerz get to free agency next spring there will be a feeding frenzy. Conventional wisdom is a deal will get done at some point with Meinerz. The interesting part will be the timing and if both sides are on the same page. Either way, Meinerz could be looking at a deal close to or exceeding $20 million per year in average annual value.
Battle to watch: Center
It features a pair of young players in Forsyth and Wattenberg and a veteran in Mustipher. If one of the young guys proves he’s up to the task, he’ll likely get the nod. Forsyth has the benefit of having played with Bo Nix in college at Oregon for a season, but Wattenberg took a big jump in 2023 after struggling in 2022 spot duty as a rookie. Both are regarded like Cushenberry was (smart players), but both will have to prove they can hold up physically against interior defenders. They should benefit from playing between Meinerz and Powers, but they’ll have to earn it.
Under the radar player: A trio, actually
Head coach Sean Payton believes strongly in OL coaches Zach Strief and Austin King and their ability to develop. So keep an eye on young tackles Jacobs, Palczewski and Crum. If either starting tackle gets hurt, it might be Peart or Bailey who gets the initial call, but the young trio of undrafted players could end up playing key roles in the future. The Broncos haven’t drafted a true tackle since Bolles in 2017, but his future beyond this fall is cloudy. That gives Jacobs, Palczewski and Crum each a shot to show they should be considered next-up at the position. Jacobs is a mountain of a man and showed flashes in camp last year. Palczewski spent the season on injured reserve but is well-regarded and Crum could easily have been a late-round pick out of Wyoming this spring.
Monday: Defensive line
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Originally Published: July 12, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.
