The Broncos’ first day of OTAs open to media members Thursday was spirited and filled with energy. Yet, there was one thing that was missing.
Denver didn’t have a kicker in attendance after releasing Brandon McManus on Tuesday. Although three kickers worked out for the Broncos on Wednesday, none were signed, forcing the team to use a machine during practice.
Despite a rough 2022 season, the release of McManus was surprising, but Payton said the decision to let go of the last remaining member of the Super Bowl 50 roster was in the team’s best interest.
“A lot of the time, money and what your ‘musts’ are come into it,” Payton said. “The transactions continue here from now until training camp. There may be a player or two that we are still looking to sign. We factored that in, and then we made that decision.”
By releasing McManus with a post-June 1 designation, the Broncos will carry $1.231 million in dead cap space and save $3.75 million against the 2023 salary cap. He was under contract through 2024 with a total of $7.5 million in base salary remaining, but none of it was guaranteed.
McManus didn’t take long to find a new home. Before the Broncos hit the field, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced they signed the nine-year veteran while waiving kicker Riley Patterson.
“Lean and mean” Russ
In Russell Wilson’s first time speaking with reporters since last season, the veteran quarterback said he feels “better than ever.”
Wilson is coming off the worst season of his professional career and used the offseason to work on his body. He mentioned that he lost some weight without getting into the specifics of how many pounds he shredded.
“I feel lean and mean and ready to go,” Wilson said.
During Wilson’s news conference, which at times felt like a TED talk, he had high praise for Payton, calling him “one of the best coaches to coach the game.”
“He’s focused,” Wilson said. “He’s such a great teacher of the game, and all of us are learning more information.”
Wilson said he is also excited about the offensive line group, especially newly-signed right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers.
“I’ve been fortunate to play (against) McGlinchey, watching him over the years and his dominance,” Wilson said. “When he walks into the building, you feel his presence, which is exciting.”
Strong attendance
Payton was pleased with the attendance at practice Thursday.
Every key player was at Centura Health Training Center on Thursday except outside linebacker Baron Browning, safety Kareem Jackson and defensive tackle D.J. Jones. Defensive lineman Mike Purcell was in attendance but did not participate in practice.
The absence of Jones, Jackson and Browning was not injury related, Payton said. He has communicated with each player and expects them to show up as OTAs progress. Jackson, whom the Broncos brought back on a one-year deal, will be at the facility next week, according to Payton.
“One-by-one, you will see them, and that’s where we are at,” Payton said.
When Payton was asked about the team’s decision to sign Jackson, he said the veteran’s experience played a factor.
“He’s got really good instincts,” he said. “At his age, it’s impressive he’s been healthy.”
Jeudy injury update
For the most part, Denver’s practice was clean until 11-on-11s. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy tried to catch a bad pass from Wilson when cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian ran into him while deflecting the ball.
Jeudy landed awkwardly on the ground before limping to the sideline. He didn’t play for the remainder of practice. Payton said afterward that Jeudy banged up his thigh, but the former Alabama star is “fine.”
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