Broncos release last remaining player from Super Bowl 50 team

The Denver Broncos announced they released kicker Brandon McManus on Tuesday, officially ending the last remaining link to the team's 2015 season Super Bowl championship squad. 

Here is what Broncos general manager George Paton said about McManus and his release in a team statement:

"Brandon has been a key player and presence with the Broncos for nearly a decade, making outstanding contributions to our team and community. Developing into one of the NFL's most productive kickers, Brandon made so many clutch kicks for this franchise over the years as a Super Bowl champion and team captain. He will always hold a special place in Denver Broncos history. We thank Brandon for all he did for the Broncos, and we wish him and his family the very best in the future."

McManus spent nine years in Denver and for the bulk of his career was one of the NFL's best kickers. He also played a significant role in the team's Super Bowl 50 run, making all 13 of his postseason kicks (10 field goals and three extra points).

In Denver's first two playoff games that year he provided almost all of the team's offense as Denver scored only three offensive touchdowns. 

Including their 24-10 Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers, the Broncos only scored five offensive touchdowns in the three postseason games. McManus alone accounted for 30 points on field goals.

The 2022 season was one of the worst of McManus' career as he made just 77 percent of his field goal attempts, though the overwhelming majority of his misses came on kicks of 50 yards or more. 

Still, the timing of the release is a little odd given how far into the offseason we are. 

With McManus released, the Broncos now have no remaining players from their 2015 team. That team was not only the Broncos' most recent championship team, but it was also their most recent playoff appearance. 

It was already a new era for the Broncos with Sean Payton coming in to try and turn things around, and the departure of their last championship link only further emphasizes the start of a new era.