Packers releasing veteran kicker Brandon McManus after playoff misses

The Green Bay Packers have a new kicker.

The Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus, a person close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report McManus’ release.

McManus’ release paves the way for rookie Trey Smack to take over Green Bay’s kicking responsibilities. The Packers drafted Smack in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Florida.

Smack connected on over 81% of his field goals and was 5-6 on field goals of 50-plus yards in 2025. He was named All-SEC third team in his final college season.

McManus is entering his 13th NFL season. The Packers recently paid him a $1 million roster bonus in March, per ESPN. The 34-year-old kicker had signed a three-year, $15.3 million deal with the Packers last offseason.

McManus played his first nine seasons with the Denver Broncos. He then played the 2023 season in Jacksonville before joining Green Bay in 2024. The veteran has hit 82% of his career field goals and 97% of his career extra points. However, McManus missed both of his field goal attempts in the Packers' 31-27 wild-card playoff loss last season to the Chicago Bears. He's appeared in 186 career games.

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