{"id":161977,"date":"2025-06-27T07:00:14","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T07:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/161977\/"},"modified":"2025-06-27T07:00:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T07:00:14","slug":"broncos-massive-investment-in-offensive-tackle-has-paid-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/161977\/","title":{"rendered":"Broncos’ massive investment in offensive tackle has paid off"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Broncos have one of the NFL\u2019s most reliable offensive tackle duos. And what they\u2019ve learned in recent years at one of the NFL\u2019s most crucial positions is simple: You get what you pay for.<\/p>\n

Denver\u2019s starting tandem of left tackle Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey have a combined total contractual value of up to $169 million, if they play out the length of their deals. Only the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions have a pair of tackles worth more.<\/p>\n

On an average annual per-year basis, Bolles and McGlinchey account for $38 million. That ranks fifth. Their combined guaranteed outlay is $94.47 million, per Over the Cap<\/a>; that\u2019s third in the NFL, again, only trailing Minnesota and Detroit.<\/p>\n

To whom much is given, much is expected.<\/p>\n

The good thing for the Broncos is that Bolles and McGlinchey deliver.<\/p>\n

Last year, McGlinchey ranked sixth among NFL offensive tackles in pass-block win rate<\/a> per ESPN Analytics; Bolles ranked seventh. The previous season, Bolles ranked 13th; McGlinchey finished outside the NFL\u2019s top 20.<\/p>\n

In 2024, the Broncos were the only team to have two offensive tackles in the NFL\u2019s top 10 in pass-block win rate. The value of that for quarterback Bo Nix was immeasurable; unlike many rookies thrust into action, he didn\u2019t dart around running for his life.<\/p>\n

McGlinchey came aboard on the first day of the legal-tampering period of Sean Payton\u2019s first offseason, one of three high-priced additions made that day.<\/p>\n

His arrival set a tone in myriad ways, not just because of the statement of commitment to the offensive line, but in stopping a revolving door at right tackle that had spun since the Broncos moved Orlando Franklin out of the position after Super Bowl XLVIII.<\/p>\n

Bolles, of course, was inherited. But when Payton took over, the 2017 first-round pick was coming off a fractured ankle; there was no guarantee he would recapture the form that made him a second-team All-Pro in 2020, which earned him a four-year contract extension.<\/p>\n

As it turned out, Bolles did, becoming one of the NFL\u2019s most consistent left tackles \u2014 winning with a wisdom he didn\u2019t possess in his early years.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think my passion at a young age, I just wanted to put everyone in the dirt all the time,\u201d he said during minicamp. \u201cNow I think it\u2019s more sexy to stay in front of somebody and block them with your feet and hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reality is [if] you want to be the best tackle in the league, you talk about some of the greats \u2014 that\u2019s what they did. They stayed in front of the guy. They moved their feet and they played a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bolles is on his third contract, set to begin his ninth NFL season. McGlinchey heads into his eighth campaign with three years left on his deal. Together, they represent a massive investment.<\/p>\n

They seem to be well worth it.<\/p>\n

BEYOND THE BRONCOS\u2019 TOP TWO: INTRIGUING YOUTH<\/p>\n

In each of the previous two offseasons, the Broncos added a priority undrafted rookie \u2014 Alex Palczewski in 2023 and Frank Crum last year.<\/p>\n

The investment in Palczewski throughout 2023 paid off last year when he filled in ably for McGlinchey, starting against the Buccaneers, Jets and Raiders before he was injured.<\/p>\n

Now, the team wants to see how much Crum has progressed \u2014 and to see whether his athleticism \u2014 evidenced by his sub-5.00 40 time with his 313-pound frame \u2014 and 6-foot-8 length with nearly-34-inch arms can be harnessed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s extremely athletic,\u201d Broncos coach Sean Payton said.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 He can move his feet really well. Again, he\u2019s a young player who when you go through these installations and for him, it\u2019s his fourth or fifth time now. You\u2019re able to play a little faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Broncos also re-signed six-year veteran Matt Peart<\/a> in March, bringing him back on a two-year contract. He served as the primary backup to Bolles last year, but also saw action as the extra tackle when the team went into six-linemen packages.<\/p>\n

A pair of undrafted rookies round out the room: Marques Cox and Xavier Truss. Per data compiled by Over the Cap, Truss received $150,000 in guarantees, while Cox received a $5,000 guarantee, making Truss \u2014 a 6-foot-7, 309-pounder who started three years at Georgia \u2014 the favorite to stick on the practice squad.<\/p>\n

\"YouTube<\/p>\n

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