The Green Bay Packers are making a midseason change at kicker. According to NFL Network’s Tom PelissaroThe Packers are releasing rookie Brayden Narveson and veteran signing Brandon McManus, who practiced for the team on Tuesday.
Narveson missed five field goals, the most in the NFL, in six weeks, including at least one miss in four of six games this season. His last miss was a 44-yarder to right at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Packers claimed Narveson off waivers after final cuts in response to the unsuccessful kicker competition between Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph during the offseason and training camp. Although Narveson wanted to be patient, he forced the team into action with a lack of improvement.
The Packers will now turn to McManus, a 33-year-old kicker with 10 years of NFL experience.
Last season, McManus made 30 of 37 field goals (81.1 percent) and 35 of 35 extra-point attempts for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He made 11 of 13 field goals from 40-49 yards and 5 of 10 field goals from 50 or more. He was one of just eight eligible kickers to make every additional point attempt in 2023.
McManus signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders in the offseason but was released in June following sexual assault allegations in a lawsuit over McManus’ inappropriate behavior on a flight to London last season with the Jaguars. The NFL investigated the allegations but determined McManus would not face punishment for violating league policy, according to ESPN.
McManus won the Super Bowl as a member of the Denver Broncos in 2015.
McManus has made 45 career kicks of more than 50 yards. His career field goal percentage is 81.4.
The Packers did not immediately announce any roster changes, although both announcements – Narveson’s firing and McManus’ signing – could come Wednesday. Matt LaFleur’s team will face the Houston Texans 5-1 on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
