The Green Bay Packers are making a bold move at the kicker position, releasing veteran Brandon McManus just weeks after selecting rookie Trey Smack in the 2026 NFL Draft. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the kicking competition in Green Bay is essentially over before it even began.

McManus, who turns 35 in July, was paid a $1 million roster bonus by the Packers back in March, but a combination of factors ultimately led to his departure. A lingering leg injury that surfaced midway through last season, combined with a costly performance in the playoffs, sealed his fate. During the NFC Wild Card Round loss to the Chicago Bears in January, McManus missed two field goals and an extra point, costing the Packers seven crucial points in a devastating collapse.

Instead of letting McManus compete for his job, the Packers are granting his release now, giving him time to explore other options before training camps begin around the league. The team will turn to Smack, whom they viewed as the best kicker in the 2026 draft and aggressively traded up to select in the sixth round. Smack is under team control for the next four years, making him a cost-effective long-term investment.

McManus had a solid 2024 season, hitting 20 of 21 field goals, but struggled in 2025, converting just 24 of 30 attempts, including four misses between 40-49 yards. His playoff performance in Chicago only added to the concerns. The only other kicker currently on the Packers roster is Lucas Havrisik, who made headlines last season by hitting a franchise-record 63-yard field goal while McManus was sidelined with his injury.

Unless the Packers designate this as a post-June 1 move, releasing McManus will accelerate $4.33 million in dead money onto their 2026 salary cap, while saving just under $1 million. His cap hit for 2026 was set to be $5.28 million. For a team that values stability and reliability in the kicking game, this move signals a new era in Green Bay.