The Green Bay Packers have made a decisive move at the kicker position, releasing veteran Brandon McManus to clear the path for rookie Trey Smack. A source close to the situation confirmed the news to USA TODAY Sports, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the transaction. ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report the release.

McManus, a 13-year NFL veteran, joined the Packers in 2024 on a three-year, $15.3 million contract. The team even paid him a $1 million roster bonus in March, according to ESPN. However, his tenure in Green Bay was marked by inconsistency at the worst possible time. In the Packers' 31-27 wild-card playoff loss to the Chicago Bears last season, McManus missed both of his field goal attempts—a critical factor in the early postseason exit.

Now, the kicking duties will fall to sixth-round pick Trey Smack out of Florida, who was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Smack brings impressive credentials to Lambeau Field, connecting on over 81% of his field goals in his final college season. He was particularly effective from long range, going 5-for-6 on attempts of 50-plus yards, earning him All-SEC third-team honors.

McManus's career numbers remain solid—he's hit 82% of his field goals and 97% of his extra points across 186 games. He spent his first nine seasons with the Denver Broncos, followed by a 2023 stint in Jacksonville before landing in Green Bay. But with the Packers looking to rebound from a heartbreaking playoff loss, the organization is clearly prioritizing reliability under pressure. Smack's strong leg and recent momentum make him an intriguing option as the team turns the page on a new season.