Matt Prater released by Broncos; Brandon McManus handed kicking job

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Posted: 10/03/2014 12:08:02 PM MDT

Updated: 10/03/2014 12:09:34 PM MDT

By most measures, Matt Prater was the NFL's top kicker last season.

The Broncos released him before he had a chance to kick his first extra point this year. Prater, who is serving the final days of his four-game suspension for violating the league's alcohol program, was notified around 11 a.m. Friday that he would be released.

The Broncos are sticking with Brandon McManus, who in his first three NFL games is 14-of-16 in kickoff touchbacks and 3-of-3 in field goals, although his longest is from 24 yards.

To keep McManus, the Broncos will have to send the New York Giants a seventh-round draft pick as a condition for their trade last month.

'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. I'm just going to concentrate on keeping myself in shape and hopefully I'll be kicking for someone this year.'

Money was no doubt a factor. McManus is drawing the minimum $420,000 salary this year while Prater was due to make $2.2 million after his suspension.

'It was a football decision,' coach John Fox said. '(It's) what gives the Broncos the best chance to win. We wish Matt the best. Part of it was evaluating Brandon. You take the leap of faith in a lot of personnel decisions.'

Prater made 25 of 26 field goals last year - including a 64-yarder that broke a 43-year NFL record. He also led the league 81 touchbacks.