The Denver Broncos have signed kicker Matt Prater to a new four-year deal, locking up one of the most powerful legs in NFL history. Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway announced the contract Monday. Terms were not released.||||||| Prater was a clutch performer for the Broncos down the stretch last season with four game-winning field goals. He had three straight weeks in which he kicked the winner on the game's final play, helping Tim Tebow and the Broncos go on a six-game winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Entering his sixth NFL season, Prater ranks second in team history with an 80.4 percent field goal conversion rate.

The Denver Broncos have placed the franchise tag on Prater, giving them the right to match any offer other teams might present to the kicker with one of the most powerful legs in NFL history.||||||| Prater came up clutch for the Broncos down the stretch last season with four game-winning field goals. He had three straight weeks in which he kicked the winner on the game's final play, helping Tim Tebow and the Broncos go on a six-game winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Prater has the highest percentage in league history from 50 or more yards, having connected on 12 of 16 kicks for a 75 percent clip.

The Broncos have placed Prater on injured reserve.||||||| Prater has missed the last two games with a groin injury. Steven Hauschka has filled in, connecting on 5 of 6 field goal attempts in games at Arizona and Oakland. In his career with the Broncos, Prater has made 71 of 87 field goal attempts, the best accuracy rate in team history for anyone with a minimum of 50 attempts.