How the Packers navigated a controversial situation to add a veteran and improve the roster
Character and off-the-field behavior have always been important components of the Green Bay Packers scouting process. It applies to rookies, but also for veterans. That's why it was somewhat surprising when the Packers decided to sign a player who recently went through accusations of sexual assault. Despite the situation, Green Bay feels comfortable with kicker […]
Character and off-the-field behavior have always been important components of the Green Bay Packers scouting process. It applies to rookies, but also for veterans. That's why it was somewhat surprising when the Packers decided to sign a player who recently went through accusations of sexual assault.
Despite the situation, Green Bay feels comfortable with kicker Brandon McManus, signed on Tuesday to replace struggling rookie Brayden Narveson.
"I had a really good conversation with Brandon," general manager Brian Gutekunst said during league meetings. "When these things got cleared up within the league and he got past some other things, those conversations kind of just picked up. We wanted to make sure that we did our due diligence. Again, we feel really good about that where we sit right now. We're excited to get him out there."
Earlier this year, flight attendants Daisy Torres and Nicole Anderson sued Branon McManus for allegedly trying "to kiss one of them and grinded and rubbed up against both while they were trying to perform their work responsibilities during the Sept. 28, 2023, trans-Atlantic flight. They are seeking more than $1 million in damages," as mentioned in an Associated Press report. At the time, McManus was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the team was flying to play in London.
McManus said in the locker room that the case is now 'resolved,' in addition to the NFL not applying any type of punishment for lack of evidence.
"I was always upfront and honest about it," McManus said. "That's how I was able to kind of get through this all."
When the allegations came up, McManus was released by the Washington Commanders.
On the field
The Packers have struggled to find a solid kicker since they allowed veteran Mason Crosby to walk in free agency after the 2022 season. Anders Carlson, Greg Joseph, James Turner, and Narveson all failed to different degrees.
McManus is a veteran, having played for the Denver Broncos from 2014 to 2022 — which included a Super Bowl championship in the 2015 season. Even though his career field goal percentage is not that impressive (81.4), he converted 90.8% of his kicks from less than 50 yards and 97.2% of his extra points.
"The kicks that have to be made in the National Football League are inside the 50," Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia mentioned. "We've had some difficulties with that."
Last season, Anders Carlson missed four of eight kicks between 40 and 49 yards. In six games in 2024, Brayden Narveson missed four of nine between 40 and 49 yards, and also a 37-yarder.
"He's been in very high-pressure situations and kicked a long time in weather, an outdoor stadium," Gutekunst added. "Very talented, very gifted, very strong leg. He's been in the fire and he's had the ups and downs that all kickers go through and been able to come out the other side."
It's not the most usual Packers move of all time. But the franchise feels comfortable with where Brandon McManus is off the field, and based on his on the field track record, it was a no-brainer.
"You always have to prove yourself at the kicker position," McManus stressed. "I've been in that position before, losing an opportunity but then working my butt off to kind of get it back again. I was able to succeed after that. It's such a black and White position that you've gotta stay focused every single time."
Packers make a risky move trying to end the carousel at a key roster position
Green Bay has signed kicker Brandon McManus and waived Brayden Narveson
