Broncos have interest in bringing back veteran kicker

Denver has no plans on franchise tagging the veteran kicker, Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reports. There is, however, a mutual interest for the sides to work out a multi-year agreement, he adds. 

Lutz came to Denver via trade from the Saints in late August, setting him up to handle kicking duties in the Mile High City.

The Broncos moved on from longtime kicker Brandon McManus, leaving open the door to competition. Lutz’s arrival solidified the position, though, and he appeared in every game for the team. 

The 29-year-old experienced a rebound from his recent performances during his debut Denver campaign. Lutz connected on 30-of-34 field-goal attempts (including three of five 50-plus yard tries), good for a success rate of 88.2 percent.

That marked Lutz’s highest conversion rate since his Pro Bowl campaign in 2019. It was also a better figure than any that McManus posted during his nine years in Denver or his performance with the Jaguars in 2023. 

In addition to his field goal success, Lutz went 29-of-31 on extra-point attempts. As a result, it comes as little surprise both player and team would be willing to work out a deal in this case.

Lutz made $1.7M in 2023 as he played out the end of his most recent Saints contract. His most lucrative pact earned to date was the five-year New Orleans deal he inked in 2019 averaging $4.05M per year. 

After a strong showing last season, a raise will no doubt be coming his way soon, provided talks on a new deal gain traction ahead of free agency. 

It will be interesting to see the price point the Broncos are willing to reach to avoid the risk of losing Lutz on the open market in March.