The Green Bay Packers have decided to part ways with veteran kicker Brandon McManus on Friday.
When the Green Bay Packers traded up to select Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the writing seemed to be on the wall for veteran Brandon McManus.
In the final game of the season last year, a Wild Card showdown against the Chicago Bears, McManus sealed his fate with the team. He missed two field goals and an extra point, leaving seven points on the board in a game the Packers lost by four.
On Friday, Green Bay made a final decision about McManus.
According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Packers have decided to move on from McManus.
"After drafting Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round last month, the Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus today, per source," Schefter wrote on X.
Now that McManus is no longer involved in the kicker competition, there are two names vying for the starting job.
Of course, the rookie Smack has the inside track to win the job. Green Bay clearly felt high enough on him to trade up to get him in the sixth round.
Along with Smack, the Packers have 26-year-old Lucas Havrisik, who played in three games for Green Bay last season when McManus missed time due to injury. Havrisik made all four of his field goal attempts last season, with his long being 61 yards. He made seven of his nine extra point attempts.
Smack, on the other hand, is coming off of a successful career in the SEC with Florida. He played in three seasons for the Gators, connecting on 53 of his 64 field goals and making 10 of his 13 attempts from 50 or more yards. He also made 100 of his 101 extra point opportunities.
Only time will tell which kicker will be starting for the Packers in 2026. However, many fans will be relieved to know that it won't be McManus.
It will be interesting to monitor the kicking competition in training camp and preseason action. For now, it does seem likely that the job is Smack's to lose.