Broncos' offensive lineman clearly happy where he is, accepts pay cut for 2026 season

Broncos’ offensive lineman clearly happy where he is, accepts pay cut for 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos will be retaining yet another member from last year’s roster, but this time, it won’t be with a new contract. Instead, offensive lineman Matt Peart has reportedly agreed to a reduction in pay. Peart missed most of the 2025 season, but clearly wants to stay in Denver.

A former third-round pick of the New York Giants, Peart was drafted as an offensive tackle out of Connecticut. The Broncos have had him on their roster as a swing tackle, but last year inserted him into the starting lineup at one of the guard spots when Ben Powers tore his biceps in Week 5.

However, the very next week, Peart went down with a knee injury and was replaced by Alex Palczewski, who didn’t relinquish the job until Powers came back near the end of the season. Palczewski was prioritized by the front office this offseason, agreeing to a new deal before the start of free agency.

Meanwhile, Peart was seen as a potential cap casualty this offseason. Instead, he has seen the $3.5 million salary he made in 2025 nearly slashed in half. However, he keeps his roster spot.

Matt Peart will compete for a roster spot in 2026

This doesn’t guarantee that Peart will be on the team when the 2026 season kicks off, however. He will likely be behind Palczewski in the pecking order for the team’s top rotational lineman, but his experience in the system should help him, along with the fact that he’s not making as much money.

The Broncos still have Frank Crum, whom the coaching staff loves, as well as veterans Calvin Throckmorton and Michael Deiter, so Peart will have his work cut out for him when training camp opens later this summer.

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Peart signed with the Broncos ahead of the 2024 season. He has played in 23 games for the team with three starts.

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