ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Chris Manhertz is too smart and too experienced to have been surprised.
The veteran tight end was told Friday afternoon by head coach Sean Payton the Broncos were releasing him, a move that saves the team $2.65 million in salary and $2.15 million in salary cap.
And yet he has played 8 seasons.
Why? Because he's a strong, point-of-attack blocker.
"I think I had a good year,'' Manhertz said. "I was healthy for the most part. Missed the last game because of unforseen hand, foot and mouth disease. But I think I had good year."
Manhertz is the third Broncos player to be released this week, following quarterback Russell Wilson and safety Justin Simmons. The team also said it would not tender restricted free agent defensive lineman Jonathan Harris.
"Thankfully, I've been cut before,'' Manhertz said. "It's been a while since I've been cut. The first time I got cut it always hurts. The second time you're like, 'OK.' The third time, 'this is business."'
In his one season in Denver, Manhertz served as the Broncos' player union representative. He replaced longtime rep and kicker Brandon McManus. Manhertz' reaction on the player survey that resulted in the Broncos finishing 16th (up from 20th the year before) among NFL teams with its working conditions?
"It was taken early in the year, if I can recall,'' Manhertz said. "I know the ownership grade was great. Those type of things are helpful for the organization and the players to have a standard of excellence. A lot of the times it's something to go off of for improvement and feedback. So I think it's a win-win for both sides."
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