A New Era for the Green Bay Packers with Kicker Brandon McManus
The Green Bay Packers have signed veteran kicker Brandon McManus. Following a series of six other kickers on the roster since last season, the Packers hope that McManus, their seventh, will bring the much-needed stability to the team.
The Green Bay Packers’ Kicking Saga
The Green Bay Packers have had a turbulent time with their kicking department. Only one kicker, Brayden Narveson, has been used in the first six games of the current season, but a total of six different kickers have been on the roster since last season’s end. Alex Hale, one of them, still holds a position on the practice squad.
From Tennessee Titans to Green Bay Packers: The Brayden Narveson Journey
Narveson, a rookie claimed off waivers from the Tennessee Titans in late August, has had a rocky start to the season. He has the dubious honor of having missed the most field goal attempts this season, including a 44-yard attempt during a winning game against the Arizona Cardinals.
McManus: A Seasoned Professional Joins the Packers
Amid the inconsistent performance, the Packers have signed Brandon McManus, a seasoned professional with a career success rate of 81.4% on field goals. McManus, 33, was with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, where he successfully made 30 out of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 of his extra-point tries.
Controversies and Legal Battles: McManus’ Recent Past
The kicker had signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Washington Commanders during the offseason but was released following sexual assault allegations raised by two flight attendants on a chartered flight. However, the NFL announced that it found insufficient evidence of McManus violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
The Future of Kicking at the Green Bay Packers
The Packers have been on the lookout for a reliable replacement since parting ways with their career scoring leader, Mason Crosby, after the 2022 season. With McManus’ signing, they hope to end the kicking instability that has been a significant concern for the team.
Is There Room for Two Kickers on the Roster?
While McManus is expected to be the leading kicker, it’s unclear if the team will opt to keep two kickers on the roster. Meetings with Narveson were scheduled, but the outcome is yet unknown.
The Packers are eager for stability in their kicking game, and they hope that McManus, with his years of experience and proven track record, will be the solution they’ve been looking for. Only time will tell if this move pays off.