DENVER -- No messing around this time around.
A year after a placing the lowest restricted free agency tender on C.J. Anderson, the Broncos acted more aggressively with kicker Brandon McManus and linebacker Todd Davis on Tuesday.
As expected, the Broncos placed a second-round tender on McManus and Davis. It decreased the likelihood of either player receiving an offer sheet from another team. A year ago, the Dolphins tried to pry away Anderson, leading Denver to give the running back a four-year, $18 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus and $7.6 million guaranteed.
McManus, 25, ranks as one of Denver's most reliable weapons the past two seasons, converting 59 of 69 field goal attempts, including eight from at least 50 yards. Davis moved into the starting lineup last season following Danny Trevathan's departure to the Chicago Bears in free agency. Though he struggled in pass coverage at times, Davis finished with 97 tackles and one forced fumble. Coach Vance Joseph praised Davis at the NFL Combine, indicating the Broncos' desire to keep him.
A second-rounder tender provides a $2.746 million salary for the 2017 season for each player. It also means if a team makes an offer that the Broncos decline to match, Denver would receive a second-round pick, likely dissuading suitors.
The Broncos also issued exclusive rights tenders to eight players, with no surprises. The list: center Matt Paradis, linebacker Zaire Anderson, outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, running back Kapri Bibbs, center James Ferentz, long snapper Casey Kreiter and receivers Jordan Taylor and Bennie Fowler.
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