Denver Broncos cut PK Connor Barth, Brandon McManus wins job

Brandon McManus is slated to open the regular season as the Denver Broncos' place-kicker for the second consecutive year after veteran Connor Barth was released Wednesday.

Barth was signed for the final five weeks of the regular season in 2014 after McManus was inconsistent as suspended Matt Prater's replacement. Prater was ultimately released and McManus made 9 of 13 field-goal attempts, but the Broncos wanted a more proven kicker down the stretch. Barth connected on 15 of 16 (.938) field-goal attempts over the finale five weeks of the regular season, including making his first 11 attempts. He twice tied the team record with five field goals in a single game.

However, the team continued to value McManus' booming leg, and the two waged a close battle during training camp, with McManus reportedly hitting a 70-yard field goal during practice in the high Denver altitude.