BREAKING: Green Bay Packers Re-Sign Kicker Brandon McManus Following an Extended Offseason
The Green Bay Packers have re-signed veteran kicker Brandon McManus, who initially joined the team on October 16, 2024, following an extended offseason. McManus was brought in to replace rookie kicker Brayden Narveson, who had missed five field goals in six games, leading the league in missed attempts at that time.
Since joining the Packers, McManus has been a reliable asset, making 14 of 15 field goal attempts (93.3%) and ranking fourth in the NFL in accuracy.McManus’s impact was immediate; in his debut game with the Packers on October 20, 2024, he kicked a 45-yard game-winning field goal to secure a 24-22 victory over the Houston Texans.
Prior to joining the Packers, McManus spent nine seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he was part of the Super Bowl-winning team in the 2015 season, and one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023.
The Packers’ decision to re-sign McManus reflects their confidence in his abilities to provide consistency and reliability in the kicking game, which had been a concern earlier in the season. General Manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the importance of having an experienced kicker, stating, “Where our football team is at right now, we know how important these games are.
The Green Bay Packers were lacking a reliable NFL-level kicker, while Brandon McManus found himself without a team. In the two months since their paths crossed, the partnership has flourished. However, the lingering question remains: can this pairing extend into 2025 and beyond?
McManus, who joined the Packers on October 16, has been nothing short of outstanding. He’s converted 14 of 15 field goal attempts (93.3%), ranking fourth in the league for accuracy, and remains perfect on all 23 extra points. With an impressive overall success rate of 97.4% (37-of-38), McManus has been a game-changer.
Yet, the 33-year-old kicker will enter free agency at the end of the season. While his performance and the mutual fit appear ideal, free agency always brings uncertainty. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here,” McManus said. “This place is so rich in tradition, and being part of it has been amazing. But free agency is unpredictable, and much of it is out of my hands. We’ll see what happens.”
McManus’s arrival has been a stabilizing force for the Packers. After parting ways with Mason Crosby following the 2022 season, the Packers endured struggles at the position. Anders Carlson led the NFL in missed kicks in 2023, and Brayden Narveson made just 12 of 17 attempts (70.6%) before being waived in 2024.
Since joining, McManus has been pivotal. He made game-winning field goals in his first two games and hasn’t missed a field goal in his last nine attempts. His current field goal accuracy is on track to be the second-highest in Packers history, trailing only Crosby’s flawless 2020 campaign. He’s been a huge asset,” said special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia. “He makes everyone better and has plenty of good football left in him.”
The question remains: will that future include Green Bay?
McManus could be one of the most sought-after free agent kickers this offseason. With other available options like Nick Folk, Matt Prater, Eddie Pineiro, Joey Slye, and Michael Badgley, McManus stands out not only for his consistency but also for his age relative to older veterans. It might take a $5 million-plus annual contract to retain him.
While McManus expressed gratitude to the Packers, he avoided committing to any specific future plans. “Right now, I’m focused on this season,” he said. “Green Bay gave me a chance, and I’ve loved being here. The locker room is incredible, and I just want to help this team get to the playoffs and achieve something special.”
McManus has been a model teammate and elite performer in Green Bay. His presence has brought stability, and many teammates hope he’ll stick around. He’s been phenomenal,” said defensive tackle Kenny Clark. “He’s given us so much confidence at that position. I hope he stays with us for a long time.” As for McManus, the future remains uncertain, but his focus is on finishing the season strong. “Playing here is an honor,” he said. “If it works out, fantastic. For now, though, my focus is on the job at hand.”