The essentials
Packers release McManus after playoff misses, trade for Trey Smack to replace him.
The Green Bay Packers have released kicker Brandon McManus following a disappointing 2025 season and playoff performance. McManus converted 24 of 30 field goals during the regular season but missed three kicks in the Packers' playoff loss to the Bears, a critical stumble in postseason competition.
In response to the change, the Packers traded draft picks to select kicker Trey Smack, signaling a definitive shift in their special teams approach. The transition carries a financial cost: the organization will absorb $4.333 million in dead money from McManus's release.
The move reflects the organization's priority on special teams reliability heading into the 2026 offseason, as McManus's inconsistency—particularly in high-pressure playoff situations—prompted the front office to seek stability at the position.
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Playoff miss triggers kicker transition despite solid regular season
McManus demonstrated acceptable regular-season accuracy with 24 of 30 field goals made but faltered when it mattered most. His three missed kicks in the playoff loss against Chicago directly influenced the outcome, making the performance drop under pressure the determining factor in the Packers' roster decision rather than full-season statistics alone.
Packers commit to future at kicker with substantial dead cap hit
The organization's willingness to absorb $4.333 million in dead money demonstrates conviction in pursuing an upgrade at the position. By trading valuable draft assets for Trey Smack, the Packers front office has allocated significant resources to special teams, indicating they view kicker reliability as essential to competitive success.