Brandon Jones impresses as emergency kicker for Broncos

In the United States, the Denver Broncos explored alternative options for their kicking position during a recent practice session. This occurred while their primary kicker, Will Lutz, was attending the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony for Drew Brees in Canton, Ohio. The Broncos took this opportunity to evaluate safety Brandon Jones as a potential emergency kicker. Despite having no prior experience kicking in high school or college, Jones showcased his skills by successfully making three out of four field goal attempts, including two from 35 yards. His background in soccer contributed to his ability to kick effectively during practice.

Jones humorously mentioned that he had previously joked with special teams coach Darren Rizzi about being available as an emergency kicker. Rizzi decided to put Jones to the test, which led to his successful attempts during practice. Although Jones felt some nerves when the crowd began chanting his name, he expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he would handle the pressure differently depending on the game situation. He acknowledged that if the game were on the line, he would feel more anxious but remained optimistic about his performance.

The Broncos are currently not holding a kicking competition, as Lutz is set to play his fourth season with the team after previously earning a Pro Bowl nomination in 2019. Lutz has been with the Broncos since joining from the New Orleans Saints, where he played from 2016 to 2022. The team hopes that they won't need to rely on Jones for critical game-winning kicks, but his versatility could provide an opportunity for creative plays during the season.

Overall, the Broncos' decision to try out Jones as a kicker reflects their proactive approach to ensuring they have options in case of an emergency. While Lutz is the primary kicker, having a backup like Jones could be beneficial for the team, especially if they find themselves in a situation where they need an unexpected play. The Broncos will continue to evaluate their roster as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.