Broncos Release Longtime Kicker Brandon McManus

Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus in 2016
Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus in 2016. Photo by Scott D Stivason/CSM/Shutterstock (6118694i)

The Denver Broncos announced on Tuesday that they had released their longtime kicker Brandon McManus.

McManus is leaving the Broncos after spending nine seasons with the franchise. He was previously the only remaining player from the team that won the Super Bowl 50.  

McManus played a significant role in the Broncos’ road to Super Bowl win during the 2015 NFL season. He made all of his 10 field goal attempts across three playoff games, including going three-for-three on FGs and scoring an extra point in a 24–10 Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers.

“Developing into one of the NFL’s most productive kickers, Brandon made so many clutch kicks for this franchise over the years as a Super Bowl champion and team captain. He will always hold a special place in Denver Broncos history,” Broncos’ general manager George Paton said in a statement.

McManus had two more years left on the four-year, $17.2 million contract extension he signed in 2020. However, the Broncos decided to move on from him regardless after he had one of his worst campaigns in 2022. The 32-year-old player made only 77.8% of his field goal attempts while also missing two extra points.

According to recent reports, the Broncos will most likely turn to ex-Dallas Cowboys kicker Brett Maher as McManus’ replacement. Maher already worked out with Denver and is expected to sign a contract in the coming day.