Why Packers cut Brandon McManus and what it means for Trey Smack

The Green Bay Packers are making a significant roster move after rookie minicamp. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team is cutting ties with veteran kicker Brandon McManus. The move comes after the Packers drafted Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

“After drafting Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round last month, the Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus today, per source,” Schefter reported. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky adds that the Packers are making this decision despite the fact that the team paid McManus a $1 million roster bonus in March. Why Packers cut Brandon McManus Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers place kicker Brandon McManus (17) reacts to missing a field goal late in the fourth quarter as Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Jones (33) celebrates in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field.

Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images The Green Bay Packers signed McManus to a three-year, $15. 3 million extension last offseason. McManus was highly effective for Green Bay in 2024, when he made a career-best 95.

2% of his field goals and all of his extra points. However, things didn’t go anywhere near as smoothly in 2025. Not only did McManus miss six field goals and an extra point during the regular season, he also whiffed on a pair of field goals and an extra point in the playoffs, which was massive because the Packers lost their wild-card game by four points.