The Denver Broncos’ plans for the 2025 trade deadline may have been settled for them, and it is largely thanks to “cult hero” Alex Palczewski.
Palczewski drew the start at left guard in Week 7 in place of Matt Peart, who landed on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in Week 6. Pear was already replacing Ben Powers, who tore his biceps in Week 5.
The former undrafted free agent out of Illinois, Palczewski, acquitted himself well.
Alex Palczewski May Have Quieted Broncos’ Trade Deadline Angst
GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton addresses reporters at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
9News’ Mike Klis highlighted Palczewski’s performance in the Broncos’ 33-32 victory over the New York Giants in Week 7.
“If Broncos general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton were thinking about trading for a more established left guard in light of injuries at the position, Palczewski just may have brought pause. The trading deadline is two weeks from today. There is hope Powers can return for the final game or two, and then postseason, which at this point the Broncos are a good bet to participate with their 5-2 record,” Klis wrote on October 21.
“Palczewski held his own against Lawrence. Sticking with him until Powers returns would seem to be the correct decision as of now. Palczewski is big at 6-foot-6, 315 pounds and extremely tough. But so much can change in two weeks. Will the Broncos be 5-4 and scuffling? Or 7-2 with a six-game winning streak and perhaps the No. 1 team to beat in the AFC?”
Palczewski is in his third season with the Broncos.
He has appeared in 21 games, starting four in his career. This one was an encouraging sign in what could be a longer-term plan for the Broncos. Powers is expected to return in December, when the Broncos will have five games left at most.
“Alex Palczewski filled in fine at guard on Sunday,” NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote on October 21. “Credited by Next Gen Stats with allowing two QB pressures on 53 pass blocks.
Broncos Taking Risk at LG Either Way
GettyBen Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos blocks against the New Orleans Saints .
Of course, sticking with Palczewski until Powers returns and letting the deadline pass would also carry significant risks.
Powers had been a stalwart on one of, if not the, top offensive lines in the NFL for the Broncos, and replacing him has already proven challenging. Peart struggled to play through his injury against the New York Jets , and Palczewski is inexperienced at left guard.
The latter note is extremely pressing for the Broncos.
Klis questioned, “Do the Broncos believe Palczewski can handle the likes of Chris Jones and Sheldon Rankins down-in and down-out? The Broncos play the Kansas City Chiefs , the 9-time defending AFC West champions, and Jones, a first-team All Pro the previous three seasons, twice after the trade deadline. Rankins and the Houston Texans host the Broncos two days before the trade deadline.”
The Broncos must get past the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders before concerning themselves with the Texans and Chiefs, respectively.
Alex Palczewski a ‘Cult Hero’ in Broncos Country
GettyAlex Palczewski of the Denver Broncos reacts after facing the New York Jets.
Palczewski drew attention before stepping into the Broncos’ starting lineup, operating as an additional lineman on select plays. He has become a “cult hero,” with fans sporting “63 eligible” memorabilia and reacting feverishly when he entered the playing field.
Broncos RG Quinn Meinerz said in September that it was “hilarious” that fans cheer for an extra lineman.
Quarterback Bo Nix said it was “interesting” but that they are “excited for Palcho.”
“I try to ignore it, because I just want to hear the play from the booth the whole time, make sure I don’t mess up,” Palczewski said, per The Denver Post’s Sean Keeler in September. “But no, it’s pretty cool. I didn’t even notice it the first week until somebody told me.”
He will hear fewer cheers as a starter than the extra lineman, who is announced every time they check in. But Palczewski can make a more significant impact for the Broncos as LG1.
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