Broncos, kicker McManus agree on new, 4-year deal

On a day in which the Denver Broncos kick off the 2017 season, it’s only fitting the club wrapped up the guy who does the kicking off to a new deal.

Broncos general manager John Elway announced via Twitter on Monday that the team and kicker Brandon McManus have agreed to a new, four-year deal.

“Brandon’s made a lot of big kicks and is an important weapon for our team,” Elway said.

Without the deal, McManus would have entered this season under the last year of his current four-year deal.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports McManus will receive a three-year extension on top of his 2017 season, and he’ll make $11.254 million.

Total guarantee in Broncos’ kicker Brandon McManus’ 3-yr extension is $8.25M. Full guarantee is $6M. Makes him fourth highest paid K in NFL.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2017

Earlier this week, after being named a captain for the first time in his career, McManus was asked about his hopes for a contract extension, saying, “I think, obviously, you’re always looking forward to the guarantees and that security.”

In terms of the captaincy, McManus, who is the Broncos career field goal percentage leader (84.8 percent), said it was a “huge honor.”

“This is, believe it or not, the first time I’ve been a captain I think in any sport,” McManus said. “This was an honor for me to be here even though the team did vote a kicker out of the football room to be a captain. It was a huge honor for me.”

“It’s a testament to Brandon’s leadership, to his personality and all the qualities that he brings to this team, not only as our kicker but as our go-to-guy when we need a big one,” special teams coordinator Brock Olivo said on Saturday.

“He’s a guy who has a strong character presence. Guys look up to him, and I’m really proud of him. That was one of his goals. He’s a great pro, and he shows up to work every day. I think the guys respect him.”

Denver acquired McManus in late-August 2014 from the New York Giants in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.

McManus kicked for the Broncos during then-starter Matt Prater’s four-game suspension. However, just before Prater was to be reinstated, the club released him in favor of McManus.

In three full seasons, McManus has connected on 68 of 82 field goals, including a perfect 26-of-26 from 29-yards or closer. He’s also missed just two extra point attempts in 110 tries.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.