Brandon McManus - Pro Football Rumors

Broncos Sign Ronnie Hillman

April 18th, 2016 at 6:23pm CST by Luke Adams

6:23pm: The Broncos have announced the deal, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

5:18pm: Hillman’s one-year deal is worth $2MM, with roughly $600K guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

4:12pm: After letting them become free agents last month, the Broncos have now re-signed each of their top two running backs from their Super Bowl team. According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS (via Twitter), the Broncos have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent back Ronnie Hillman.

Hillman, 24, will return to Denver to pair with his old backfield mate C.J. Anderson, who signed a four-year offer sheet with the Dolphins that was ultimately matched by the Broncos. While Anderson may be first in line for carries going forward, given the length and worth of his contract, Hillman was the Broncos’ leading rusher in 2015, totaling 863 yards and seven touchdowns on 207 regular-season carries.

While Hillman had a solid regular season for the Broncos, his free agent stock may have been negatively impacted by his postseason performance. With Anderson carrying the majority of the load, racking up 234 yards and two TDs on 54 carries, Hillman had just 54 yards on 32 playoff carries (1.7 yards per attempt), and failed to reach the end zone.

The Packers were reportedly “poking around” on Hillman (and other running backs) near the end of March, and he was believed to have a few other potential suitors as well, but he’ll return to Denver for at least one more season.

The Broncos have also officially brought back kicker Brandon McManus, who signed his ERFA tender, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link).

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Broncos Release Connor Barth

August 26th, 2015 at 9:27am CST by Luke Adams

To accommodate their signing of free agent guard Evan Mathis, the Broncos have created a spot on their roster by releasing Connor Barth, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. The move indicates that Brandon McManus has won Denver’s kicking job.

Barth, 29, was signed by the Broncos last November to replace McManus, who was struggling with his accuracy. The former Buccaneers kicker finished the season by making 15 of 16 field goals for Denver, but was beat out in camp this year by McManus. The 24-year-old has the bigger leg of the two players, and can handle kickoffs better, but made just nine of 13 field goal attempts in his rookie year in 2014.

While the move is bad news for Barth in the short term, he immediately becomes one of the most talented kickers on the free agent market. If another team has its kicker go down with an injury or perform poorly in the early going, Barth figures to be one of the first potential replacements to get a call.

Minor Moves: Saturday

December 6th, 2014 at 4:40pm CST by Ben Levine

Here are Saturday’s minor moves, with the most recent transactions added to the top of the list:

Washington has placed cornerback Chase Minnifield on injured reserve, reports Mike Jones of the Washington Post (via Twitter). The team promoted defensive back Kenny Okoro to the 53-man roster.
The Seahawks have promoted wide receiver Chris Matthews from their practice squad to the active roster, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
The Steelers have activated outside linebacker Jarvis Jones off the injured reserve-designated to return, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). The team placed cornerback Cortez Allen on injured reserve to make room for Jones.
The Patriots have activated defensive tackle Sealver Siliga from the injured reserve-designated to return, reports Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Siliga will join the active roster in time for the Sunday Night matchup against the Chargers tomorrow.

Earlier Updates

The Broncos‘ kicking carousel continues, as Mike Klis of the Denver Post tweets that the team has promoted kicker Brandon McManus from the practice squad. The former undrafted free agent made his NFL debut with Denver earlier this season, connecting on nine of his 13 attempts. To make room, the team waived returner Isaiah Burse.
The Giants have signed linebacker/defensive end Paul Hazel from their practice squad, tweets ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano. The 24-year-old appeared in 13 games with the Browns last season. To make room on the roster, the team released defensive tackle Dominique Hamilton.
Washington has promoted linebacker Gabe Miller from their practice squad to the 53-man roster, according to agent Brett Tessler (via Twitter). A fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft, the 27-year-old finally made his NFL debut earlier this season. To make room on the roster, the team cut third-year wideout Aldrick Robinson (via ESPN’s John Keim on Twitter). Robinson signed a one-year deal with Washington following a solid 2013 campaign, but he hasn’t seen the field since Week 5.
The Ravens have activated cornerback Asa Jackson from the injured reserve, tweets ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley. The former fifth-rounder started four games earlier this season before succumbing to a foot injury. The team also placed undrafted rookie Tramain Jacobs on the injured reserve.

Broncos To Sign McManus To Practice Squad

December 4th, 2014 at 8:39pm CST by Zachary Links

We’ll keep track of today’s practice squad moves here..

Broncos are re-signing kicker Brandon McManus to the taxi squad, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post (via Twitter). To make room, Denver has released defensive end Gerald Rivers. McManus was brought aboard to start the year after then-starter Matt Prater was hit with a four-game suspension. When Prater was let go, McManus was named the full time kicker, but his run ended a few weeks ago after a handful of missed field goal tries.

Broncos Sign Connor Barth

November 25th, 2014 at 4:47pm CST by Luke Adams

4:47pm: Klis clarifies (via Twitter) that Barth is signed for two more years after the 2014 season.

4:40pm: It’s a multiyear contract for Barth, according to Klis (via Twitter). The Denver Post report indicates that it’s a “two-year contract that last through 2016,” which seems to be conflicting info — a deal through the 2016 season would be for three years, including the current season. In any case, it appears the Broncos view Barth as a potential long-term option, which may be one reason the team signed him instead of Feely, who is 10 years older.

2:32pm: The Broncos are replacing kicker Brandon McManus, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, who reports that the team is signing veteran free agent Connor Barth. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com confirms (via Twitter) that McManus has been waived as the corresponding move to accommodate the team’s new kicker.

Barth, 28, started his NFL career in 2008 with the Chiefs and moved on to Tampa Bay, where he was the Buccaneers’ kicker for four seasons. After missing the 2013 season with a torn Achilles, Barth was beaten out for Tampa Bay’s kicking job by Patrick Murray this past summer, leading to his release. The North Carolina product, who has made 84.2% of 120 career field goal attempts – including 12 of 19 from 50+ yards – also auditioned for the Lions last month before landing with the Broncos.

McManus was acquired by the Broncos at the end of the preseason from the Giants after Matt Prater received a four-game suspension. Denver ultimately elected to keep the rookie over the veteran, cutting Prater when his suspension ended, but McManus was inconsistent, making just nine of 13 field goal tries, and missing a 33-yarder against the Dolphins this past Sunday.

We first heard yesterday that the Broncos were considering a change at kicker, with Barth and fellow veteran Jay Feely coming in to try out for the team. Per Schefter (via Twitter), Feely also impressed during his workout, making 14 of 15 attempts, including a 60-yarder.

AFC Notes: Broncos, Patriots, Mallett

November 24th, 2014 at 9:01pm CST by Ben Levine

As the Bills finish up their rout of the Jets in an impromptu Monday Night Football contest, let’s take a look at some assorted notes from the AFC…

The Broncos scoring 39 points on Sunday without the services of Julius Thomas doesn’t help the tight end’s contract leverage, opines Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Without Orange Julius, Manning looked to Demaryius Thomas – also a pending free agent – in the red zone.
Following the news that the Broncos auditioned a pair of kickers, John Fox clarified that it was business as usual (via ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold). “…We have tryouts every week, at a lot of different positions,” said Fox. “As far as my satisfaction with Brandon McManus, is kind of like our record, we’re 8-3, wish we were 11-0. But we are kind of where we are and we’re always looking to improve our team if we feel need be.” If the team ultimately decides to add a kicker, Legwold believe it would be wise for the Broncos to keep McManus as a kickoff specialist.
Ryan Mallett‘s season-ending injury means that he won’t hit the playing time triggers that would have increased the Patriots‘ draft pick compensation for him, tweets Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. New England will now receive Houston’s seventh-round choice for the quarterback.
Mallett’s season may be over, but that doesn’t mean his tenure with the Texans is finished. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the team wants the young quarterback to return next season, adding that the Texans will likely add a young player for competition.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Broncos Considering Kicker Change

November 24th, 2014 at 4:36pm CST by Zachary Links

4:36pm: There could be others joining Feely and Barth at tomorrow’s audition, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

3:32pm: It will be Connor Barth auditioning alongside Jay Feely on Tuesday, according to Mike Klis of The Denver Post.

2:30pm: Broncos coach John Fox denies that he’s looking for a new leg, tweets Lindsay Jones of USA Today. “Contrary to whatever Adam Schefter is reporting, there is no ‘search’ for a kicker,” Fox said. Regardless of how Fox wants to frame it, the Broncos are still having kickers in for tryouts (link).

2:23pm: The Broncos will bring Jay Feely in for a workout on Tuesday, two NFL sources tell Mike Klis of The Denver Post. Feely, 38, has kicked in 13 NFL seasons for five teams, most recently last season with the Cardinals.

Klis adds that Denver will also audition a second veteran kicker, though it’s not known who that might be. Among the veterans available are Alex Henery, Garrett Hartley, Connor Barth, John Potter, and Nate Kaeding.

2:22pm: The Broncos are considering a kicking change and they’re planning to work out kickers this week, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Brandon McManus has missed four field goal attempts this season, including a 33-yard attempt in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against Miami.

The Broncos could go on to win 39-36, but McManus’ struggles understandably have Denver concerned. Looking ahead to the final five games of the season and the postseason, Denver could be compelled to move on to their third kicker in 2014. Matt Prater, of course, was set to be the Broncos’ kicker this season before a four-game suspension threw a wrench into those plans. McManus was originally brought aboard as a stopgap but General Manager John Elway wound up keeping him and releasing Prater. Prater connected on 25-of-26 field goal tries in 2013, including a 64-yard kick that broke a 43-year-old record.

Broncos To Release Matt Prater

October 3rd, 2014 at 6:40pm CST by Zachary Links

6:40pm: The Broncos’ decision to stick with McManus over Prater has to do with the NFL’s early termination rules, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post. According to Klis, waiting until after the game Sunday could have subjected the team to paying the rest of Prater’s $2.117 million salary.

The team was also worried about Prater’s status going forward, knowing that after serving a four-game suspension, the next transgression would result in a year-long ban from the NFL.

1:24pm: The Broncos confirmed the move in a press release.

“Parting ways with Matt Prater—the longest-tenured player on our roster—was a very difficult football decision,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager John Elway said. “On behalf of our entire organization, I want to thank Matt for his seven seasons with the Broncos and wish him well going forward.”

12:47pm: The Broncos are releasing kicker Matt Prater, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Prater, who has been one of the NFL’s most successful kickers in recent years, is coming off of a four-game suspension.

Last season Prater was solid for the Broncos and fantasy owners alike, nailing 25 of his 26 field goal tries, including a record 64 yard three-pointer against the Titans in December. Considering his resume, it’s hard to see Prater being out of work for long and he’s certain to have tryouts in the next few weeks for teams that have unstable kicker situations. As cap guru Brian McIntyre (via Twitter) notes, the move saves the Broncos $2.294MM in cash/cap space in 2014. Prater will count about $812K against the team’s 2015 cap.

With Prater gone, understudy Brandon McManus will take over in Denver. Through three games this season, the Temple product has nailed all three of his field goal attempts and all eight of his extra point tries. McManus’ field goals weren’t exactly difficult ones – he connected from 24 yards or less on each one – but he boasts a strong leg and is capable of hitting from deep.

Today’s news is cause for celebration in the McManus household and at Giants headquarters. The McManus deal called for Big Blue to receive a conditional seventh round pick that would only be conveyed if he stayed on as Denver’s kicker after Prater’s suspension was through. That seemed unlikely at the start of the season, but it’s now the reality and the Giants have now tacked on an extra draft pick, albeit a very late one.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC East Notes: Bryant, Cowboys, Giants

August 26th, 2014 at 8:42pm CST by Zachary Links

With talks starting up again between the Cowboys and Dez Bryant, Jason Fitzgerald of the National Football Post asks how much the wide receiver is worth. Bryant reportedly wants to be paid like a top five wide receiver and Dallas will have a hard time convincing agent Eugene Parker that his client should make less than Dwayne Bowe $56MM over five years, $26MM in guarantees). More out of the NFC East..

Today’s release of quarterback Caleb Hanie by the Cowboys likely bodes well for undrafted free agent QB Dustin Vaughan, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
The Giants traded kicker Brandon McManus to the Broncos rather than cutting him outright because the rival Eagles had interest in him, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
Antrel Rolle is upset that cornerback and special teams contributor Charles James was let go by the Giants, writes Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. When Big Blue dropped 15 players to go from 90 to 75, the release of the 23-year-old James came as a surprise to some.

Broncos Acquire Brandon McManus

August 26th, 2014 at 4:06pm CST by Luke Adams

4:06pm: In order for the Giants to acquire that seventh-round pick from the Broncos, McManus will need to remain Denver’s kicker after Prater is eligible to return from his suspension, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. It’s hard to imagine that happening, so I doubt a pick changes hands as a result of this deal.

Klis adds in a tweet that kicker Mitch Ewald has been cut to make room on the roster for McManus.

2:30pm: The Broncos have added some kicking insurance, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Brandon McManus has been sent to Denver by the Giants in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk first reported (via Twitter) that McManus had been traded instead of waived, as had been announced earlier today.

McManus, 23, lost the Giants’ competition to veteran kicker Brown, but he has a big leg, having reportedly made a 75-yard field goal in training camp, as well as frequently putting kickoffs 10 yards out of the end zone, per Bill Pennington of the New York Times. McManus was expected to draw interest on the waiver wire, so the Broncos – who would’ve been near the back of the priority list – prudently agreed to part with a conditional seventh-rounder, which figures to land near the very end of the 2015 draft.

Broncos kicker Matt Prater has been suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season, so McManus looks like a good bet to take over kicking duties in Denver for September. The Broncos had previously whittled their roster down to 75 players, so they’ll now have to make one more cut to make room for the former Giant.