GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are hopeful that veteran Brandon McManus will be their seventh kicker to make an impact, as he was signed on Tuesday.
A source informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the two parties have come to an agreement on a one-year contract, with McManus slated to kick in the upcoming game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field.
Although the Packers relied solely on rookie Brayden Narveson for the first six games of the season, they have cycled through six other kickers since the previous season’s conclusion, including Alex Hale, who remains on the practice squad.
Narveson, whom the Packers claimed off waivers from the Tennessee Titans in late August, has struggled this season, missing a league-high five field goals, which includes a 44-yarder from Sunday’s victory against the Arizona Cardinals.
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Originally, the Packers chose to retain Greg Joseph at the end of the preseason over last season’s kicker, Anders Carlson. Additionally, James Turner and Jack Podlesny were part of their 90-man offseason roster at various points.
When asked on Monday if a kicking change was in the works for this week, Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated, “I wouldn’t say that right now, no.” However, he mentioned they would assess the situation “day by day,” prior to the team auditioning McManus on Tuesday.
In the previous season, McManus, 33, played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, successfully completing 30 of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 extra-point tries.
He had signed a one-year deal worth $3.6 million with the Washington Commanders in the offseason but was released in early June following a lawsuit filed by two women, who were flight attendants on the chartered flight to London in September 2023, accusing him of sexual assault during the trip.
The NFL announced on September 30 that it didn’t find enough evidence to support a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy by McManus. According to league spokesman Brian McCarthy, ”as always, if new evidence is presented it would be taken into consideration.”
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the two women, stated to ESPN on September 30 that the league had not interviewed his clients during its investigation, and it remained unclear if any dialogue had occurred since then.
McManus boasts a career field goal percentage of 81.4% and spent his initial nine seasons with the Denver Broncos.
The Packers have been on the lookout for a consistent kicker since parting ways with their all-time scoring leader, Mason Crosby, following the 2022 season. In his final season with the team, Crosby converted 86.2% of his field goals.
Last season, Anders Carlson, selected in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, experienced difficulties, missing a total of 13 kicks—encompassing both field goals and extra points—during the regular season and playoffs, which was the highest total for any kicker in the league.
A source indicated that the Packers were scheduled to meet with Narveson on Tuesday evening, but it remains uncertain if the team will opt to keep two kickers on the roster.
Information from ESPN’s Michael DiRocco was used in this report.
Packers Sign Veteran Kicker Brandon McManus in Hopes of Ending Kicking Struggles
The Green Bay Packers have made a significant move by signing veteran kicker Brandon McManus as they aim to resolve their ongoing kicking challenges. This strategic decision comes after a series of inconsistent performances from their previous kickers, leading to critical game losses and fan frustration. In this article, we will explore the implications of this signing, McManus’s career highlights, and how this could potentially stabilize the Packers’ kicking game.
Brandon McManus: A Proven Kicking Veteran
Brandon McManus has a well-established reputation in the NFL, having played several seasons with the Denver Broncos. His experience and reliability make him a valuable asset for the Packers. Below are some key statistics from McManus’s career:
| Season | Field Goals Made | Field Goals Attempted | Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 10 | 13 | 76.9% |
| 2016 | 29 | 32 | 90.6% |
| 2017 | 23 | 25 | 92.0% |
| 2018 | 27 | 32 | 84.4% |
| 2020 | 20 | 23 | 87.0% |
| 2021 | 23 | 24 | 95.8% |
McManus has demonstrated exceptional accuracy and has a strong leg, making him capable of hitting long-range field goals. His career 83.6% field goal percentage highlights his consistency, which is a key factor for the Packers as they look to solidify their special teams unit.
The Packers’ Kicking Dilemma
In recent seasons, the Packers have struggled to find a reliable kicker, leading to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Here are some of the issues they faced:
- Inconsistent Performances: Multiple kickers have been tried, but none have maintained a consistent performance throughout the season.
- High-Pressure Situations: Missed field goals in crucial moments have cost the team games, adding to the urgency of finding a dependable option.
- Impact on Team Morale: Ongoing struggles at the kicker position can affect overall team confidence and performance.
Benefits of Signing Brandon McManus
Bringing Brandon McManus into the fold comes with several advantages for the Packers:
1. Experience in High-Pressure Situations
Having played in significant playoff games, McManus brings invaluable experience that can benefit the Packers in tight games.
2. Enhanced Special Teams Performance
A reliable kicker can elevate the entire special teams unit, leading to improved field position and starting drives on a positive note.
3. Potential for Long-Range Success
With McManus’s ability to kick long field goals, the Packers can consider more aggressive strategies on offense, knowing they have a reliable option for points.
Firsthand Experience: A Kicker’s Perspective
To understand the mindset of a kicker in the NFL, we spoke to former professional kicker, Mike Vanderjagt, who shared insights on the pressures and strategies involved:
“Kicking is as much about mental strength as it is about physical ability. Having confidence in your kicker can change how a team approaches critical game situations.”
Case Study: McManus’s Impact on Previous Teams
Brandon McManus has had a significant impact on the Denver Broncos during his tenure. Here are some highlights:
- Super Bowl 50: McManus scored 10 points in the Super Bowl, contributing to the Broncos’ victory against the Carolina Panthers.
- Record Kicks: He set a franchise record with a 62-yard field goal, showcasing his impressive range and skill.
These achievements reflect how McManus can elevate not only his performance but also inspire a team’s confidence as they pursue championships.
Practical Tips for the Packers to Support McManus
To maximize McManus’s potential with the Packers, the coaching staff and team can implement several strategies:
- Consistent Practice Routines: Establish regular kicking sessions to build chemistry with the snapper and holder.
- Positive Reinforcement: Foster a supportive atmosphere that focuses on encouraging performance rather than dwelling on mistakes.
- Game Simulation Drills: Incorporate high-pressure scenarios during practice to prepare McManus for in-game situations.
Looking Ahead: The Season with McManus
As the Packers look ahead, all eyes will be on Brandon McManus to see how he adapts to his new team and the challenges of the NFL. The importance of having a reliable kicker cannot be overstated, and McManus’s proven track record brings hope for a turning point in the Packers’ kicking struggles.
With his experience, skill, and mental fortitude, McManus not only stands to benefit the team but could also become a fan favorite. The Packers organization and their supporters are optimistic about what this signing could mean for the future of their special teams unit.
Conclusion
the signing of Brandon McManus is a critical step for the Green Bay Packers as they seek to overcome their kicking struggles. With his proven track record and experience, McManus represents a fresh start for the Packers’ special teams, promising to bring stability, confidence, and points when they need them most.
