The Green Bay Packers are making headlines with a bold roster move following rookie minicamp, shaking up their special teams unit in a way that signals a new era. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team has decided to part ways with veteran kicker Brandon McManus, a decision that comes just weeks after drafting Florida standout Trey Smack in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
"After drafting Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round last month, the Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus today, per source," Schefter reported. The move is particularly striking given that the Packers paid McManus a $1 million roster bonus in March, as noted by ESPN's Rob Demovsky. McManus was originally signed to a three-year, $15.3 million extension last offseason, making his departure a significant financial pivot for the team.
McManus had a stellar 2024 campaign, hitting a career-best 95.2% of his field goals and converting all of his extra points. But the 2025 season told a different story. He missed six field goals and an extra point during the regular season, and the postseason was even more painful. In the Packers' wild-card loss to the Chicago Bears—a game decided by just four points—McManus missed two field goals and an extra point. "This is the biggest disappointment of my career," he told reporters after the game. "Just an embarrassment of a performance. It's disappointing that my role on the team is to make kicks and these guys pour in thousands of plays... and I leave seven points on the board today." Over two seasons in Green Bay, McManus went just 1-for-4 on postseason field goals.
Ultimately, McManus's production didn't match his hefty price tag, making a cheaper option the logical next step. The writing was on the wall when the Packers used a sixth-round pick on Smack, a rookie with serious credentials. At Florida, Smack connected on 82.8% of his field goals and 99% of his extra points over three seasons. He also showcased impressive leg strength, nailing 10 field goals from 50 yards or more.
With McManus out, Smack is now one step closer to locking down the starting job on the 53-man roster. His only remaining competition is veteran Lucas Havrisik. For Packers fans, this move is a clear vote of confidence in the rookie's potential—and a reminder that in the NFL, consistency is king, especially when the game is on the line.