Broncos release Brandon McManus, last holdover from team that won Super Bowl 50

Published May. 23, 2023 1:25 p.m. ET

Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos severed ties with kicker Brandon McManus on Tuesday as they released the last holdover player from the team that won Super Bowl 50.

The 31-year-old McManus announced he was being let go on social media shortly before the Broncos made it official.

McManus finished his nine-year career with Denver as the second-leading scorer in team history (946 points). He connected on a franchise-most 42 field goals of 50 or more yards in the regular season and the playoffs.

“Brandon has been a key player and presence with the Broncos for nearly a decade, making outstanding contributions to our team and community,” Broncos general manager George Paton said in a statement. "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. We thank Brandon for all he did for the Broncos, and we wish him and his great family the very best in the future."

McManus made 223 of 274 field goals in the regular season while hitting 96.9% of his extra points. His combined field-goal percentage (82%) in the regular season and postseason is the second-best mark in team history behind kicker Matt Prater (82.9%).

McManus was perfect in the playoffs following the 2015 regular season, hitting all 10 of his field-goal attempts and three extra points. He had three field goals when Peyton Manning and the Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the Super Bowl on Feb. 7, 2016, for the franchise's third championship.

The Broncos haven’t been back to the postseason since their Super Bowl victory. They're now under the direction of coach Sean Payton, who was recently hired to get the franchise back on track. The team went 5-12 last season in quarterback Russell Wilson's first season in Denver.

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