Stunning Broncos move gives Cowboys opportunity to plug biggest roster hole

The Dallas Cowboys could look to sign some veterans during training camp, but the roster is in an excellent state with OTAs underway.

Running back and linebacker stick out as positions that would benefit from the addition of an established player in the league, but no need is more glaring than kicker after the team moved on from free agent Brett Maher.

While Maher was nails during the regular season, he was unable to overcome the yips once the postseason rolled around. He missed an NFL record four extra-points in the Wild Card win over the Buccaneers. In the next round against the 49ers, Maher made both field goals but missed another extra point.

While there's some intriguing options balling out in the USFL, the Cowboys have been adamant about signing a veteran to replace Maher.

Lucjily for them, the Broncos released Brandon McManus on Tuesday. If Dallas hasn't already called McManus, they need to fix that immediately.

Cowboys need to sign Brandon McManus after Broncos release

The final player remaining from the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 victory, McManus has three seasons in which he made at least 85% of his field goals.

Last season, McManus broke Denver's franchise record for made field goals of 50 yards or longer with eight. Only Matt Prater and Justin Tucker have made more FGs of at least 50 yards since 2014, his first in the league.

Despite setting a franchise record, McManus' 77.8% conversion rate in 2022 was his worst in six seasons. It's worth noting, though, that five of his eight misses were from longer than 50 yards, including two attempts from 56 yards and tries from 63 and 64 yards.

Approaching his age-32 season, it'd be foolish to assume McManus is slowing down. Over the last four seasons, the former Super Bowl champ has made field goals at a 82.4% clip. His 93.7% hit rate on extra points over that span is just as noteworthy.

Yes they should.

Robbie Gould has been floated as a potential Dallas target. While still one of the most accurate kickers in the game and a proven playoff performer, Gould's leg strength is gone. He attempted two kicks beyond 50 yards last season and has attempted 10 such kicks over the last three seasons combined.

We wouldn't dare turn our nose up at signing Gould, but the fact McManus is available (should) make this an easy call for the Cowboys.

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