Brandon McManus, the former Broncos Super Bowl hero, is back on the open market after being released by the Green Bay Packers on May 8, 2026. The Packers drafted Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft, prompting the decision to part ways with McManus and signaling a shift in their kicking plans heading into training camp. McManus had been a key contributor for Denver’s Super Bowl 50 run, including a perfect 10-for-10 in the 2015 postseason, a feat highlighted by his place in NFL postseason kicking history.
Key points:
– Packers released Brandon McManus after selecting Trey Smack, reinforcing a market-wide focus on youth at the kicker position.
– McManus is renowned for his 2015 postseason performance, including 10 successful field goals, tied for the fourth-most in a single postseason.
– The move marks a transition for Packers and creates potential opportunities for McManus with other NFL teams seeking veteran kicking experience.
Key Takeaways:
– McManus’s release opens the door for new NFL opportunities for a veteran kicker with a notable postseason legacy.
– The Packers’ drafting of Smack suggests a long-term plan at kicker and a shift away from veteran stability.
