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Before the New York Giants could waive placekicker Brandon McManus, something they announced earlier Tuesday they would do, the Giants have been able to trade McManus to the kicker-needy Denver Broncos.
Broncos trading a conditional 7th-round pick to NYG for K Brandon McManus, per source. Kicking insurance while Matt Prater is suspended.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2014
That conditional pick is apparently tied to how long McManus remains on the Denver roster. Multiple reports have indicated that the Giants made the move to keep McManus away from the Philadelphia Eagles, who were believed to be interested in signing him.
The Giants reportedly only get compensation (a 7th) if McManus is on Denver's roster in Week 5 after suspended K Matt Prater returns.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) August 26, 2014
McManus, who impressed in preseason with a strong leg, figured to land an NFL job somewhere. It just didn't figure to happen this way, with the Broncos trading for a placekicker who has yet to kick in an NFL game.
McManus lost a placekicking competition last year with the Indianapolis Colts to Adam Vinatieri. This year the Giants chose to keep Josh Brown.
The Broncos need a kicker with Matt Prater suspended for the first four games for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.