Brandon McManus Stays with the Packers: What It Means for Green Bay
Brandon McManus' tenure with the Green Bay Packers has been a rollercoaster, and this offseason has been no different. With special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia's departure and Cam Achord stepping in, fans were buzzing about the possibility of moving on from McManus after a lackluster season.
Friday marked a pivotal moment as McManus was due a $1 million roster bonus. The Packers' decision to pay that bonus suggests they're not ready to part ways just yet, despite the kicker's struggles last season. This move indicates McManus will likely be handling kickoff duties when Week 1 rolls around.
The decision to keep McManus becomes clearer when you consider the release of Nate Hobbs. The Packers let go of the cornerback before his $6.5 million bonus was due, signaling that if they were ready to move on from McManus, they would have done so similarly.
McManus joined the Packers in 2024 and initially impressed with a career-high 95.2% field-goal rate. However, his performance dipped significantly last year, hitting only 80.0% of his field goals and struggling from 40 yards or more. This inconsistency, combined with a high number of touchbacks, had fans questioning his future in Green Bay.
If the Packers decide to part ways later, they could designate McManus for a June 1 release, saving $2.6 million. Trading him could offer the same savings, but finding a team willing to take on his contract might be challenging.
Finding a replacement isn't straightforward either. Free agency has already seen veterans like Zane Gonzalez and Jason Sanders find new teams, leaving limited options. The draft doesn't promise much in terms of top-tier kicker prospects, making Lukas Havrisik, who was re-signed to a futures deal, a potential candidate despite his own inconsistencies.
Ultimately, the Packers are sticking with McManus for now, banking on a return to his earlier form. It's a gamble, but one they seem willing to take as they navigate the complexities of the upcoming season.