Tight end Chris Manhertz signed a two-year contract March with the Broncos, but he only lasted one year in Denver.

The Broncos on Friday released Manhertz in a move that saved $2.12 million on the salary cap. He does leave with $500,000 of his contract guaranteed for 2024.

Manhertz told the Denver Gazette he was surprised when general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton called him at his home in Charlotte, N.C., with the news.

“Yeah, I mean I signed a two-year contract, and it’s not like I planned to play here one year and get cut,’’ he said. “I don’t plan for that. Yeah, it is what it is. It’s out of my control. I’ve been conditioned to think that way. So it keeps a lot of stress off my plate when I put it that way and address things as they come.”

Manhertz, in his eighth season, started four of the 16 games he played for Denver in 2023. Manhertz, known for his blocking, caught just two passes for 16 yards.

Manhertz, who had previously played for Payton in New Orleans, signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Broncos. He said he was let go due to financial reasons.

“I understand that there’s cap constraints and moves that have to be made,’’ he said. “I think that’s pretty evident. It’s a business. At the end of the day, you can’t really control a whole lot in these type of situations.”