Kicker Conundrum: Packers Roll the Dice with Veteran Brandon McManus
The Green Bay Packers are taking a chance on their seventh kicker in less than a year, signing veteran Brandon McManus to a one-year deal. This move comes after a tumultuous start to the season, with rookie Brayden Narveson missing a league-high five field goal attempts.
A Fresh Start at Lambeau Field
McManus, 33, is expected to take the field on Sunday against the Houston Texans, bringing a wealth of experience to the position. With a career field goal percentage of 81.4%, he’s a significant upgrade over Narveson, who was released in a corresponding roster move.
A Kicking Carousel
The Packers have been searching for a stable replacement since parting ways with Mason Crosby, their career scoring leader, after the 2022 season. Since then, they’ve had six other kickers on the roster, including Alex Hale, who remains on the practice squad. Greg Joseph, James Turner, and Jack Podlesny have all had stints with the team, but none have been able to lock down the position.
McManus’ Checkered Past
McManus’ signing comes with some baggage. He was released by the Washington Commanders in June after being accused of sexual assault by two flight attendants on a chartered airline. Although the NFL found insufficient evidence to violate the league’s personal conduct policy, the allegations have raised concerns.
A New Chapter in Green Bay
Despite the controversy, McManus has a proven track record, making 30 of 37 field goal attempts and all 35 extra-point tries in his only season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Packers are hoping he can bring some much-needed stability to the position and help them turn their season around.
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