Broncos Face Dilemma with Veteran Tackle Garett Bolles: Balancing Experience and Salary Cap Pressures”
In Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, Broncos Face Dilemma Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles showcased exceptional pass-blocking skills. During a critical third-and-goal play in the fourth quarter, Bolles efficiently thwarted edge rusher Myles Garrett’s attempt to sack quarterback Russell Wilson, enabling Wilson to deliver a touchdown pass to tight end Adam Trautman.
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Broncos Face Dilemma
Returning after a leg injury limited him to five games in 2022, Bolles reestablished himself as a reliable presence on Denver’s offensive line throughout the past season. Starting in all 17 games, he allowed just three sacks and 32 pressures, earning him a pass-block efficiency rating of 97.1. Notably, he had an impressive eight-game stretch without allowing a sack.
However, despite his on-field contributions, Bolles’ future with the Broncos is uncertain. The team is projected to be $23.9 million over the salary cap in 2024, necessitating tough decisions on veteran players. Bolles, in the final year of his deal, is set to earn $20 million.
As the Broncos face critical choices regarding the quarterback position and the future of Russell Wilson, the left tackle position is also in focus. Bolles, a first-round pick in 2017 with 99 starts for the Broncos, presents a challenging decision. Turning 32 in May, his age poses concerns, and the team may consider cap flexibility by cutting or trading him, saving $16 million while incurring $4 million in dead money.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged the difficulty of such decisions, emphasizing the evolving nature of team dynamics in today’s NFL. If the Broncos opt for a change at left tackle, they could explore younger in-house options like offensive tackles Alex Palczewski (24) and Demontrey Jacobs (25), both undrafted rookies in 2023.
Payton’s mentor, former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells, has emphasized the importance of the offensive line, and the Broncos might consider targeting a starting-caliber left tackle in the first round of the draft. Prospects like Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu, the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year, could be enticing options. Fashanu, in particular, boasts an impressive track record, not allowing a sack in 681 pass block snaps over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. Alabama’s JC Latham, with experience at both tackle positions, could also be a potential target for the Broncos in the draft.
