The streets of Green Bay might just be a little lighter today. After a season that saw kicker Brandon McManus go from reliable veteran to public enemy number one, the Packers have officially shown him the door. And judging by the roar from the fanbase, he won't be missed.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers released McManus on Tuesday, ending his two-year stint with the team. The move was widely expected after Green Bay used a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Florida kicker Trey Smack. It was only a matter of time before the rookie took over the job.
McManus's downfall began in January, when he missed two field goals and an extra point in a crushing loss to the Chicago Bears. That game, which effectively ended the Packers' playoff hopes, turned him into a villain in the eyes of the faithful. The misses were a microcosm of a tough 2025 season where he converted just 80 percent of his field goals and only 50 percent from beyond 40 yards. He also missed a crucial extra point in a bizarre 40-40 tie with the Dallas Cowboys.
Fans took to social media to express their relief. One user wrote, 'And with that, the most idiotic roster decision in the NFL has come to an end.' Another added, 'I fully expected Smack to win the job but didn't think they'd do this so early. (Don't mind it whatsoever.)' The sentiment was echoed by many who simply said, 'It's time for someone new to miss a clutch kick in the playoffs.'
The release of McManus also highlights the Packers' shifting priorities. While the team has long been known for stability at the kicker position, the 2025 season proved that even the most reliable legs can falter. The decision to draft Smack signals a commitment to youth and a fresh start. For more on how the Packers' roster moves compare to other NFL storylines, check out the ongoing discussion around Patrick Mahomes' health.
McManus's future in the NFL is now uncertain. Despite a solid 2024 season where he missed just one kick, his 2025 struggles—especially in high-pressure moments—might make teams hesitant to sign him before training camp. It's a sharp fall for a player who once was a reliable weapon for the Denver Broncos.
For Packers fans, the McManus era is over. And if the online reaction is any guide, they're ready to move on. The question now is whether Trey Smack can handle the pressure of kicking in Lambeau Field. Only time will tell, but for now, the celebration in Green Bay is real. For more on the Packers' offseason moves, including a surprising new fan in golf star Nelly Korda, read about Nelly Korda ditching her home team for Packers fandom.
