Packers release veteran kicker Brandon McManus: Source
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Green Bay Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus, effectively ending the anticipated kicker competition after drafting Florida’s Trey Smack in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Packers GM Brian Gutekunst emphasized that the competition was not due to McManus’ injury struggles last season, noting McManus’ strong performance once healthy, including a streak of 32 consecutive made kicks prior to the playoffs.
- McManus had signed a three-year, $15.3 million extension before the 2025 season but had missed critical kicks in playoff games, including multiple misses in the wild-card loss to the Chicago Bears.
- Trey Smack, known for his accuracy and consistent ball trajectory, impressed Packers special teams coordinator Cam Achord, who values reliability in challenging weather conditions over extreme kicking distance.
- Backup kicker Lucas Havrisik remains on the roster; he demonstrated potential by making all four field goals in limited action last season, including a franchise-record 61-yarder, despite some missed extra points in difficult wind conditions.
