Packers Cut Brandon McManus, Waste $1 Million, Add to Mountain of Dead Cap
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- The Green Bay Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus, clearing the way for rookie Trey Smack to compete for the kicker position in 2026 alongside Lucas Havrisik.
- McManus received a $1 million roster bonus as insurance but his release will save the Packers approximately $945,000 against the salary cap, despite incurring $4.33 million in dead cap.
- The Packers traded up in the draft to select Smack, the only kicker drafted this year, signaling confidence in his potential to contribute immediately.
- McManus had a strong 2024 season with a 95.2% field goal success rate but struggled in the playoffs, which likely influenced the team's decision to move on.
- Smack boasts a solid college record, including a school record for 50+ yard field goals, though adapting to Green Bay's cold and windy conditions remains a key challenge.
