Packers release kicker Brandon McManus amidst 'competition' talk

The Green Bay Packers have high hopes for the team's new rookie kicker, Trey Smack, out of Florida, whom they gave up two seventh-round picks for in last month's NFL Draft.

It has been reported that the Packers have released veteran kicker Brandon McManus, who joined Green Bay during Week 7 of the 2024 season.

Packer's general manager, Brian Gutekunst, stated in February that he wanted a kicking competition and was adamant that the impending competition had nothing to do with McManus' injuries or the Packers' playoff loss.

“He made 32 straight kicks up until that game,” Gutekunst said at the combine. “He worked through an injury thing early in the year, which I commend him for fighting through because it was a little bit more than probably he let on, and once he got through it, he was really, really good until that final game. So he’s a pro’s pro."

"One thing that I’ve always felt good about is he knows how to kick in weather, so certainly didn’t see that game in Chicago, for him not to perform like he normally does, but yeah, we’ll have competition at that spot. But not because of anything that happened this past year, just I think you always want competition at that spot.”

Last season, McManus finished making 24 of 30 field goals and 13 straight makes to end the regular season. He failed to convert in a couple of crucial games and wasn't consistent from 50+ yards.

Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack made 82.8 percent of his field-goal tries over three years for the Gators (53-of-64). He would also make 10 of 13 from 50-plus yards in his career.

A competition could still take place during camp, but for now, it looks like the job is Smack's to lose.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Packers release kicker Brandon McManus amidst 'competition' talk