Packers move on from McManus, trade for kicker Trey Smack
Packers release McManus after playoff misses, trade for Trey Smack to replace him.
Event / Sports
NFL 2026 Offseason
Personnel moves and roster changes across NFL teams during the 2026 offseason, including free agency signings, releases, and draft selections.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 9 May, 00:07 UTC
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What happened
Packers incur $4.333 million in dead money from McManus release
The Green Bay Packers will absorb $4.333 million in dead money following the release of Brandon McManus, who was paid a $1 million roster bonus in March. The team will clear $945,000 in cap space this season but saves $6.266 million in 2027. The cap impact could be reduced if the Packers apply a post-June 1 designation.
Brandon McManus misses three kicks in Packers playoff loss to Bears
In a wild-card playoff game, Brandon McManus missed both field goal attempts (55 yards and 44 yards) and an extra point, costing the Packers seven points in a 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears. The missed kicks included a critical extra point after the Packers took a 27-16 lead and a 44-yard field goal attempt with the game still in reach.
Green Bay Packers release kicker Brandon McManus
The Green Bay Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus on Friday. McManus, 34, had been with the Packers since 2024 and was signed to a three-year, $15.5 million contract. The release comes after the Packers drafted Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Packers trade draft picks to select kicker Trey Smack
The Green Bay Packers traded a pair of seventh-round draft picks to move back into the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Florida kicker Trey Smack. Smack was the only kicker selected in the entire 2026 draft. At Florida, the 22-year-old converted 53 of 64 field goals (82.8 percent) and 100 of 101 extra points over four seasons.
Brandon McManus makes 24 of 30 field goals for Packers in 2025 season
Brandon McManus converted 24 of 30 field goals and 32 of 33 extra points during the 2025 NFL regular season with the Green Bay Packers. He missed six of 12 field goal attempts from 40 yards or longer and made only three of five kicks from 50 yards or more during the season.
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