McMANUS WANTS DEAL FOR LONG TERM
The 2016 Broncos offseason was headlined with post-Super Bowl celebrations, Peyton Manning’s retirement and Von Miller’s contract dispute. This offseason doesn’t feature distractions like those, but there is still a contract matter to be finalized.
Kicker Brandon McManus hasn’t signed his restricted free-agent tender, in hopes of getting a longterm deal with the Broncos. It’s not a big issue, but if there’s no deal by June 15, that could change.
“There’s really no rush for me to sign the tender, because it could go through June 15,” McManus said. “I’d love to be here as long as I can and be on a long-term deal here that gives me security. I love Denver. I love the fan base here. I would love to be here four more years, so why not see what I can do?”
Denver used a secondround tender on linebacker Todd Davis and McManus in March, which would pay both $2.746 million in 2017. Davis, who signed his tender last month, and McManus would become unrestricted free agents in 2018.
McManus has participated in all of the Broncos’ offseason workouts. If the Broncos and McManus’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, can’t come to a long-term agreement, McManus’ only other options would be to sign the tender or not play in 2017. The Broncos could rescind the tender and offer McManus 110 percent of his 2016 salary ($600,000) if he doesn’t sign the deal by June 15.
Broncos general manager John Elway was direct about McManus’ contract after the NFL draft.
“It’s up there if he wants to come sign it,” Elway said pointing to his office.
More celebrations.
The NFL loosened its celebration policy to allow players to use the ball as a prop, celebrate as a group and go to the ground. It’s a change that could add more fun to the game.
“Being in the end zone is like starving for five days, then walking in your house and finding a huge steak. That’s how I feel when I score,” wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said. “I’ve always planned all my celebrations. Now I can take it a little overboard and don’t have to worry about getting cussed out by the head coach.”
Backup plan at center?
Connor McGovern, Denver’s 2016 fifth-round draft pick, took the first-team reps at center Tuesday for the injured Matt Paradis. McGovern’s ability to play center and guard will have a big impact on his role in 2017.
Paradis, who is recovering from two hip surgeries, won’t return to the field until the start of training camp in late July at the earliest.
“It’s more than snapping the ball and blocking your guy,” Joseph said about McGovern’s center transition. “It’s about identifying the backers. It’s pass protection. It’s making the line call. If he shows he can play, it helps our football team.”
Footnote.
The Broncos are tentatively scheduled to induct former coach Red Miller into the Ring of Fame and present former running back Terrell Davis his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring in a Week 11 game Nov. 19 against the Bengals.