Why Packers cut Brandon McManus and what it means for Trey Smack

“This is the biggest disappointment of my career,” he told reporters after the loss to the Chicago Bears. “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 over the course of the season, and I leave seven points on the board today,” McManus added. “It’s the most disappointing point of my career.”

In all, McManus was 1-for-4 on postseason field goals over two seasons in Green Bay.

The bottom line is McManus simply was not worth the money the Packers were paying him and it only made sense to go with a cheaper option.

What this means for Trey Smack

The writing was on the wall for McManus once the Packers spent a sixth-round pick on a kicker.

Smack had a strong college career, with the rookie kicker making 82.8% of his field goals and 99% of his extra points.

Over his three seasons as the kicker at Florida, Smack showed he has power in that leg, also, with 10 50-yard makes in that span.

Smack nailed 5-of-6 50-yarders in 2025.

McManus’ release means Smack is one step closer to making the 53-man roster. As of right now, his only other form of competition is veteran Lucas Havrisik.