Brandon

McManus

McManus was under investigation for an alleged sexual assault that took place on a plane back in 2023. The veteran kicker was released by the Commanders, who signed him earlier in the offseason after the allegations surfaced, but he’s now free to sign with any team with the league’s investigation now concluded. McManus converted 30-of-37 field goal attempts (81.1 percent) in 2023, his only season with the Jaguars, and has converted 81.4 percent of his attempts for his career. With plenty of kicker-needy teams out there, it wouldn’t be surprising of McManus found a new home in the near future.

McManus has been accused of sexual assault by two different women. The alleged incidents occurred on the Jaguars’ team plane last season. McManus has maintained his innocence, but the team has decided to move on rather than deal with a lengthy legal process. It’s quite possible the 32-year-old has played his final NFL contest.

According to DiRocco, ESPN obtained court documents stating that McManus allegedly assaulted two women during the Jaguars’ flight to London last season. In the lawsuit filed on Friday in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, the women, who are identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, allege that McManus rubbed himself against them and was grinding against them. It also accuses the Jaguars of failing to supervise McManus and create a safe environment for the airplane staff. There is no comment from McManus at this time, and the Jaguars have reportedly declined to comment through a spokesman, according to DiRocco. The victims are reportedly seeking more than $1 million and are demanding a jury trial. McManus signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Commanders earlier this offseason after going 30-for-37 on field goal attempts. We’ll likely know more about this situation in the coming days and will provide any additional updates as they come. Shortly after news of the lawsuit broke, the Commanders released a statement saying, “Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter. We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.”

It has been a topsy-turvy day in Jags kicking land, as Wil Lutz backed out of an agreement to return to Denver. 32-year-old McManus is one of the league’s most experienced kickers, but his 79.5 field goal percentage over the past two seasons is just south of acceptable. He does have a mammoth leg, booming 45 career field goals of 50-plus yards. He’s an overall upgrade on Joey Slye in Washington.

The Broncos this week released McManus, the team’s kicker since 2014. He struggled through much of the 2022 season, making 28 of his 36 field goal tries and converting just eight of 13 attempts from over 50 yards. McManus, 31, will get Jacksonville’s starting gig barring some sort of collapse in training camp or the preseason. The Jags, meanwhile, released K Riley Patterson after inking McManus. McManus shapes up as a sneaky late-round selection in 12-team redraft leagues this summer. Jacksonville had the NFL’s 11th most field goal tries last season.

McManus broke the news himself in a Tuesday morning Twitter post. Denver’s kicker since 2014, McManus fell off a bit in 2022, making 28 of his 36 field goal tries, slightly below his career conversion rate of 81.4 percent. He also missed five of his 13 attempts of more than 50 yards. It appears Sean Payton is intent on cleaning house in Denver, including the team’s good players. Look for Payton to sign a former Saints kicker in the coming days. McManus, 31, will be scooped up quickly by a kicker-needy team. The Cowboys, for one, would make an excellent fit.

Denver also got back P Sam Martin, so their special teams corps will be intact for the season finale. McManus has converted 25-of-30 field goals this season including a 61 yarder last week.

McManus was joined by punter Sam Martin. Both players can make it back in time for Week 18 based on the new COVID rules but they will be cutting it close. The Broncos will likely add a kicker and punter to the roster as a precaution.

McManus is back with the team after sitting out Week 15. With McManus cleared, Taylor Russolino will revert to the practice squad.

Brandon McManus, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week, would have been eligible for a Sunday game. Denver takes on Buffalo in a Saturday matchup, meaning the Broncos will be without their big-footed kicker. In his place will be Russolino, who played in the XFL this year. He shouldn’t be rostered in fantasy leagues as the Broncos are underdogs and therefore unlikely to be in position to attempt field goals.