The Denver Broncos could be without a kicker if they allow Matt Prater to enter free agency. But it may not come to that if the Broncos decide to use the franchise tag on him, which is likely to happen, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. That would net him a one-year salary slightly less than $2.6 million.
Free agency doesn't begin until March 13, which the Broncos could still try to work out a long-term deal with Prater without using the franchise tag. But if they do need more time to work out a deal with Prater, applying the franchise tag would provide more time.
Prater was 19-of-25 on field goals this season, making 3-of-4 field goals of 50-plus yards and all eight field goals in the 30-39 range. He had four-game winning field goals. The only area Prater didn't do exceptional in was the 40-49 range, making just 3-of-7 attempts.
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