Green Bay Packers Invest in Trey Smack, Putting Brandon McManus’ Job in Jeopardy

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and one of the most significant storylines emerging from Green Bay concerns the Packers’ rookie class and their aggressive effort to upgrade the placekicking position. While Brandon McManus has long been considered a reliable veteran, recent struggles have placed his roster spot in serious jeopardy.

The 34-year-old kicker endured a particularly rough outing in the Wild Card Weekend loss to the Chicago Bears, where his performance contributed directly to Green Bay’s shocking 31-27 defeat. McManus missed an extra point and two field goals during the game, a collapse that left the Packers on the wrong end of an NFC North rivalry.

Even before the draft concluded, it was clear that the Packers’ front office had contingency plans. On Day 3, while McManus watched from the sidelines, Green Bay executed a bold maneuver, using three draft picks to secure his likely replacement.

Packers Trade Up for Trey Smack

Florida Gators kicker Trey Smack, widely regarded as the top kicker in the 2026 draft, became the focal point of the Packers’ draft-day strategy. Rather than waiting for undrafted free agency or relying on a late-round pick, GM Brian Gutekunst packaged two seventh-round selections (Nos. 236 and 255) to move up into the sixth round and select Smack with the 216th overall pick.

This aggressive move underscores the Packers’ commitment to improving the kicking game, particularly given the challenging weather conditions at Lambeau Field. Smack is known for his leg strength and consistency, traits that are crucial for long-range field goals in cold or windy conditions.

The Florida standout has already shown the ability to hit from distance. A highlight clip from the Gators’ March 2026 spring practice shows Smack connecting from 65 yards, illustrating his power and accuracy. While transitioning from the heat of Gainesville to the unpredictable conditions of Green Bay may require adjustment, Smack possesses the tools to potentially become a franchise kicker in the mold of Mason Crosby.

McManus’ Struggles Justify the Move

While McManus’ playoff performance was a glaring example of his decline, advanced analytics suggest his struggles were more extensive. FanSided’s Adam Fromal developed a metric called Kick Value Added (KVA), which evaluates the overall contribution of a kicker beyond basic field-goal percentages. According to this metric, McManus finished last among 45 qualifying kickers in 2025, posting a -11.4029 KVA—a stark contrast to Houston Texans’ Ka’imi Fairbairn, who led the league at +15.4259 KVA.

These numbers underscore why the Packers felt compelled to secure a potential replacement. Even if Smack performs at a borderline replacement level, the improvement would be noticeable, especially in key situations like long-distance field goals and clutch attempts.

Smack’s track record in college is encouraging. From 50-plus yards, he converted 10 of 13 attempts, demonstrating the leg strength that Green Bay covets for Lambeau Field conditions. Additionally, he finished 10 of 12 from 40–49 yards, a range in which McManus struggled significantly last season, making only three of seven attempts.

The Psychological Factor

Kicking is as much mental as it is physical, and McManus’ confidence appeared shaken during the playoffs. Even with a strong professional track record, the pressure and scrutiny following his Wild Card collapse may have contributed to his decline. By contrast, Smack is entering the NFL with momentum, confidence, and a chance to establish himself as the Packers’ long-term option.

Despite McManus receiving a $1 million roster bonus in March 2026, his job security is in doubt. Sports analyst Ken Ingalls (@KenIngalls) captured the sentiment on social media:

“The Packers paid Brandon McManus a $1,000,000 roster bonus in March—I was convinced he was their kicker. Now they traded up for Trey Smack—I’m now convinced McManus has no shot and the Packers will eventually turn him into their 12th scheduled 2027 draft pick.”

Financial Implications

McManus is under contract through the 2027 season, but Green Bay retains flexibility to part ways without significant long-term cap consequences. If released with a post-June 1 designation, the Packers could save $2.6 million in 2026 and $4.6 million against the 2027 salary cap. This provides additional incentive to give Smack an opportunity to prove himself in training camp and preseason games.

Outlook for Packers’ Kickoff Unit

With Trey Smack entering the fold, Green Bay fans can expect a renewed focus on special teams during the offseason. Smack’s leg strength and consistency offer hope for improved performance on both long-distance attempts and situational kicks. If he meets expectations, he could become a cornerstone of the Packers’ special teams unit for years to come, potentially stabilizing a position that has seen inconsistent play in recent seasons.

As training camp approaches, the competition between Smack and McManus will be one of the most closely watched battles in Green Bay. For the Packers, securing a reliable kicker is not just about field goals—it’s about maximizing scoring opportunities, building confidence for the offense, and ensuring special teams can contribute to victories in tight games.

Conclusion

The 2026 NFL Draft signaled the Packers’ clear intention to upgrade their kicking game. By trading up to select Trey Smack, Green Bay has put Brandon McManus on notice: his job is no longer guaranteed. With a combination of advanced analytics, financial flexibility, and a rookie kicker with strong leg strength, the Packers are betting on a smooth transition that strengthens their special teams unit.

As long as Smack lives up to the hype, McManus’ tenure in Green Bay may be nearing its end. For fans and analysts alike, the upcoming offseason and training camp will reveal whether Trey Smack can fulfill the role of the Packers’ next long-term kicker and whether Green Bay has successfully secured stability at one of the NFL’s most pressure-filled positions.