The Denver Broncos got off to a quick start in NFL free agency by making a pair of major signings to bolster their offensive line for 2023.
After making a blockbuster trade for Seattle Seahawks legend Russell Wilson last offseason, there were major expectations for the team in 2022. However, year one of Wilson and first-time head coach Nathaniel Hackett was an absolute disaster as they finished 5-12 and dead last in the AFC West.
While their defense was a solid unit, their offense with the future Hall-of-Famer leading the way was one of the worst in the league and led to Hackett losing his job before the season even ended. With former New Orleans Saints Sean Payton now leading the team, there is a clear goal to improve the offense immediately next season.
Well, on Monday the Broncos made their first moves towards that by making a pair of signings that will bring some major improvements to their offensive line next season.
First, NFL Network league insider Ian Rapoport reported that the team and talented offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey had come to terms on a massive five-year deal worth $87.5M. And with $50M of it guaranteed. The San Francisco 49ers veteran was viewed as one of the top tackles on the market after having a breakthrough season for the NFC West champions in 2022.
However, the major additions on the offensive line did not end there.
Denver Broncos sign Ben Powers to a four-year deal worth $52M
Along with the major addition of McGlinchey, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the Denver Broncos were also able to scoop up one of the better offensive guards on the market in four-year veteran Ben Powers.
“The Broncos are signing former Ravens guard Ben Powers to a four-year, $52M deal, with $25M guaranteed. Powers is one of the big prizes in terms of the interior offensive line … A really strong deal for Pen Power, and for Sean Payton taking over as their new head coach. They want to fortify some things in front of Russell Wilson, and this was a big step in doing that.”
– Tom Pelissero
The two combined deals from the Denver Broncos are worth over $139M in total and with $75M guaranteed. However, both will be major upgrades for an offensive line that made Wilson the most-sacked quarterback in the league in 2022.
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