Green Bay Packers Coach May Have Revealed The Reason For Cutting Brandon McManus

The Green Bay Packers officially turned the page on veteran kicker Brandon McManus this week, releasing the former Super Bowl champion just months after signing him to a multi-year deal. On the surface, the move looked surprising. But comments from new special teams coordinator Cam Achord about rookie kicker Trey Smack may have quietly explained exactly why Green Bay made the decision.

Green Bay Packers’ Decision to Draft Trey Smack Raised Questions

The Packers selected Smack in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up to get him, a move that immediately raised eyebrows considering McManus was still under contract. The veteran had struggled late last season, particularly during Green Bay’s playoff loss to the Chicago Bears, but many assumed the Packers would still hold an open competition in training camp.

Instead, the organization quickly released McManus and handed the position to the rookie. That aggressive approach suggested Green Bay already had confidence in Smack before he even arrived for offseason workouts.

Cam Achord’s Comments May Explain the Packers’ Thinking

The biggest clue may have come from Achord’s recent praise of Smack. According to reporting from Yahoo Sports, the Packers’ special teams coach highlighted Smack’s “mental toughness” and ability to respond under pressure. That wording stands out given how last season ended for McManus.

While the veteran had stretches of solid play in Green Bay, his playoff performance became difficult to overlook. McManus missed two field goals and an extra point in the Packers’ postseason loss, including a late miss that could have tied the game.

For kickers, coaches often value mentality just as much as physical ability. By specifically emphasizing Smack’s composure and confidence, Achord may have indirectly pointed to what the Packers felt was missing from the position late last season.

Trey Smack Gives the Packers Long-Term Upside

Green Bay also appears to believe Smack’s ceiling is worth the risk. The former Florida Gators standout developed a reputation for handling high-pressure kicks in the SEC while showing strong range throughout his college career. Smack connected on more than 82% of his field goals in college and consistently showed the ability to hit from beyond 50 yards.

That combination of leg strength and mental toughness likely made him appealing to Green Bay’s coaching staff. The Packers do not typically trade up for specialists unless they strongly believe in the player. Their actions after the draft only reinforced that belief.

Green Bay Is Taking a Risk at Kicker Again

Despite the optimism surrounding Smack, the move still carries major risk. The Packers know how quickly instability at kicker can become a problem. Before McManus arrived, Green Bay cycled through multiple options while searching for consistency. Rookie kickers can also struggle early, especially while adjusting to difficult weather conditions at Lambeau Field.

However, Green Bay’s coaching staff clearly believes Smack’s mindset gives him a chance to succeed quickly at the NFL level. Achord’s comments may have revealed the biggest factor behind the decision. The Packers are betting that Smack’s confidence and ability to handle pressure will translate immediately.

If they are right, Green Bay may have found its long-term answer at kicker. If not, moving on from an experienced veteran like McManus will remain one of the team’s most questioned offseason decisions.