The Green Bay Packers did the right thing by releasing kicker Brandon McManus on Friday, they just did it a little too late. The team treated McManus fairly, giving him an opportunity to find another job with a different team before training camps opened across the league in July. But they could have done it sooner and saved the team more than $1 million and valuable cap space.
McManus knew he was likely on the way out of Green Bay when the Packers traded up to grab the final pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Florida’s Trey Smack. Smack was considered the best kicker available in this year’s draft class. He hit 10-of-13 field goals from 50 yards or more during his college career, something that McManus had struggled with last season.
The Packers knew they were looking to replace McManus during the offseason. However, the team already paid McManus a $1 million roster bonus in March at the start of the new league year. That money could have been saved had the team been confident they would be able to add a kicker to replace McManus in the draft or via free agency.
In addition, by releasing McManus with a post-June 1st designation, they save $2.6 million off the cap as compared to keeping McManus on the roster. However, they also accrued a $2.6 million dead cap hit for 2026 for a player who will no longer be with the team.
McManus joined the Packers midway through the 2024 season. He was signed to replace the struggling Brayden Narveson, who had taken over for 2023 draft pick Anders Carlson. Carlson led the league in missed kicks in his only season with the Packers and never found the consistency he needed to stay in the league. Narveson also never managed to find his groove in Green Bay.
In 2024, McManus had an outstanding season. In his first two games with the team, he made the game winning kick in the closing seconds. He made 20-of-21 field goal tries and all 30 of his extra points for the season. McManus gave the Packers a reliable veteran kicker who could handle the difficult weather conditions in Green Bay.
But McManus struggled through an injury riddled and inconsistent season in 2025. He missed three games due to injury and probably should have sat out a few more. For the season, he made 24-of-30 field goals and 32-of-33 extra points. But his range suffered. From 40 yards out or more, he his only 6-of-12 kicks. In the modern NFL, 50 yards and in should be almost automatic for a kicker.
McManus also missed two field goals and an extra point in the Packers playoff loss to the Bears which they lost by four points.
To his credit, McManus handled his release with class. He posted a thank you to the Packers organization and fans. It read:
“From the moment I arrived, you welcomed me and my family with open arms and made us feel at home. The support, kindness, and passion you’ve shown mean more than words can express.
“The environment at Lambeau Field is truly incredible. There’s nothing like running out of that tunnel and seeing an entire community united by love for this team. The energy, the pride, the tradition – it’s something special.
“To be part of a franchise with such a rich history and tradition is an honor. The legacy of this organization inspires me every single day.
“Thank you for trusting me, believing in me, and giving me the chance to be part of something so special.”
McManus will now seek a job with another team. Meanwhile, Smack will battle Lucas Havrisik for the kicking job, but the job is clearly Smack’s to lose.
The Packers did the right thing by moving on from McManus. Had they done it sooner, however, they could have saved bonus money and cap space.
Now, they have to hope they have a reliable kicker on their roster for 2026. They will need one to compete for a Super Bowl this year and beyond.