Matt Prater Released by Broncos: Latest Analysis, Details and Reaction

Updates from Tuesday, Oct. 7 

ESPN's Ed Werder has the latest on Matt Prater's NFL future:

Werder's report was later confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Original Text 

The Denver Broncos have decided to release veteran kicker Matt Prater, who was set to return next week after serving a four-game suspension, and move forward with Brandon McManus.

Adam Schefter of ESPN broke the surprising news:

He also noted the move will cost the Broncos more than $4 million in cap space next year:

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Matt Prater will count $4.1 million against Denver's cap next season. Prater was scheduled to make $2.5 million this year.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2014"

Mike Klis of The Denver Post has more on the decision:

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The Broncos chose to release Prater on Friday to protect themselves against the league's termination rules. Waiting to release Prater after the Broncos' game Sunday could have subjected the team to paying the rest of his $2.117 million salary.

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The Broncos then confirmed the roster move on their official site, including remarks from general manager John Elway.

"Parting ways with Matt Prater—the longest-tenured player on our roster—was a very difficult football decision," 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."

Klis of The Denver Post had more from Prater and McManus:

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"I'm a little surprised," Prater said from Florida. "The Broncos look like they're going to do some great things this year. It's too bad I won't be a part of it."

McManus didn't arrive in Denver conceding the job to Prater after four games. But he was a bit surprised the Broncos made their decision before his fourth game audition against Arizona.

"Yes, I am. Matt had a great year last year," McManus said. "He's done very well for himself. I still consider him a top three kicker in the NFL so it's a chance the Broncos are giving me, it shows the confidence they have in me and I'm excited for that opportunity."

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Prater was outstanding last season. He connected on 25 of 26 field goals (96 percent), including seven makes from beyond 50 yards. The 30-year-old Central Florida product was also perfect on 75 extra-point attempts for the record-setting Broncos.

He was suspended in late August for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. ESPN reported the punishment was due to multiple violations of the guidelines and provided comments from the kicker after the decision was announced.

"I'm really sorry, I've made mistakes, hope to regain everyone's trust, and I'm going to work my tail off to try and win a championship this year," Prater said. "I take full responsibility for what's happened, I'm accountable for it. It's no one's fault but my own, I'm dealing with it, hopefully learn from it, improve as a person and a football player."

McManus, who went undrafted last year before stints with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, filled the void. He connected on all 11 of his kicks (eight extra points and three field goals) during the first three games. None of his field goals were from beyond 30 yards, though.

Elway was clear to state it was a football decision. That means Denver believes McManus is the better option moving forward, a bold declaration for a championship-caliber team after the season Prater had in 2013.

Klis had more detail reinforcing what went into the decision:

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"In this case, it wasn't really performance but maybe the organization saw it in a way that decisions by players hurt the team because when you have a great kicker like Matt, it hurts to not have him. In the real world, maybe you get fired as well. I don't know. It's tough, but I know Matt is going to be kicking somewhere."

Broncos coach John Fox said keeping McManus instead of Prater "was a football decision." He also admitted the team took a "leap of faith" in McManus.

"He's good," Colquitt said of McManus. "We've seen him in practice. I guess it got to the point where they've seen enough in the game and they've seen a lot in practice. He's real consistent and has a really strong leg."

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The newly minted free agent shouldn't have much trouble finding work once he's cleared to play again. Several organizations went with young or inexperienced kickers this offseason with mixed success. Eight teams have field-goal conversion rates of 75 percent or worse so far.

CBS Sports' John Breech thinks two teams would make a great landing place for Prater:

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Teams that could be in the market for a kicker include the Lions and Saints. Detroit has already cut one kicker this season, in Nate Freese, and it's not clear how comfortable the team is with new kicker Alex Henery.

As for the Saints, they actually cut kicker Shayne Graham in late August before re-signing him on Sept. 2. Other teams that might take a look at Prater are the Chiefs and Browns, who have both seen their kickers struggle this season.

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Prater immediately becomes the most attractive option available.