Packers Bet on Rookie Trey Smack After Parting Ways with Veteran Kicker McManus
The Green Bay Packers have signaled their commitment to rookie sixth-round pick Trey Smack as their kicker of the present and future by releasing veteran Brandon McManus on Friday. This decision, reported by ESPN, follows McManus's underwhelming performance and a desire to save cap space, allowing the Packers to clear $945,097 immediately instead of waiting for a larger post-June 1 savings. McManus, who had a solid 2024 season with 20 of 21 field goals, struggled in 2025, making just 24 of 30 attempts. His tenure was marred by a disappointing performance in the 31-27 wild card loss to the Chicago Bears, where he missed crucial field goals and extra points. In a move to solidify their kicking game, the Packers traded two seventh-round picks to the Seattle Seahawks to select Smack at No. 216 overall. The decision reflects the team's long-term vision, particularly given the instability at the kicker position since Mason Crosby, the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 1,918 points, retired after 16 seasons. Smack brings several advantages that McManus lacked, including youth and a strong collegiate background at Florida, where he converted 10 field goals from 50-plus yards. Additionally, Smack has a unique connection to Crosby through Matt Stover, a former NFL kicker who helped train both players. Stover emphasized the importance of mastering kicking fundamentals, which Smack has embraced. With the mental aspect of kicking being crucial, the Packers are optimistic that Smack’s training and fundamentals will provide them with the stability they need at a notoriously volatile position for the next 15 years.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-08