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Packers Cut McManus, Draft Kicker Trey Smack

5/9/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Packers Draft Smack

The Green Bay Packers released kicker Brandon McManus on May 8, 2026, after trading two seventh-round picks to Seattle to move up and select Trey Smack No. 216 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They cut McManus, who had a three-year, $15.3 million contract, to save $945,097 in cap space before June 1.
Coached by former NFL kicker Matt Stover, Smack hit eight of 10 field goals from 40+ yards and four of five from 50+ yards.

Summary

McManus Dismissed

A September 2024 sexual-assault lawsuit against Brandon McManus was dismissed, clearing him of criminal allegations before Green Bay signed him.
He tied the fourth-most ten field goals in a single postseason during Denver’s 2015 run, helping win Super Bowl 50.
Entering 2026 with 13 NFL seasons—including nine with Denver—McManus remains on veteran call lists despite his release by Green Bay after stints with the Giants, Colts and Jaguars.

Summary

Gutekunst Promotes Smack

GM Brian Gutekunst promoted rookie Trey Smack as the long-range answer and new clubhouse leader.
Since Mason Crosby retired, the Packers have cycled through kickers, including failed sixth-round rookie Carlson.
A quad injury sidelined McManus for three games, prompting backup Lucas Havrisik to make 61-yard field goal on Oct. 19.
McManus missed six of his seven kicks in 2025, including an extra-point in the Wild Card loss, spurring the rookie push.

History

Historical Context

The NFL introduced a hard salary cap for the 1994 season, setting it at $34.6 million and raising it to $37.1 million in 1995. Since then the Green Bay Packers have cut veteran specialists—Jan Stenerud in 1995 and Brandon McManus in May 2026—to meet the limit, accelerating a move toward younger kickers like rookie Trey Smack.

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Packers Draft Smack

The Green Bay Packers released kicker Brandon McManus on May 8, 2026, after trading two seventh-round picks to Seattle to move up and select Trey Smack No. 216 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They cut McManus, who had a three-year, $15.3 million contract, to save $945,097 in cap space before June 1.
Coached by former NFL kicker Matt Stover, Smack hit eight of 10 field goals from 40+ yards and four of five from 50+ yards.

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