Packers Sign Veteran Kicker McManus Amidst Past Allegations

The Green Bay Packers have undertaken a significant personnel change by signing veteran kicker Brandon McManus, following the departure of their previous kicker. This move comes as the Packers continue to seek a reliable replacement for their all-time leading scorer, Mason Crosby.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed the acquisition of McManus, who previously played for the Denver Broncos and most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars. McManus, 33, has earned recognition for his performance with the Broncos, including being part of their Super Bowl 50 championship team.

“For us, really obviously, he wouldn’t be available right now if those accusations weren’t out there, but I think the league did a thorough investigation,” Gutekunst stated. “We leaned on that as we went through it. Sure, our investigation was really linked with that. At the same time obviously with every acquisition we make we have to go through those things,” he added in response to the past allegations against McManus.

The decision to sign McManus occurred after a workout session, leading to the release of the team’s recent kicker, following a series of unsatisfactory performances. The Packers are preparing for a major Sunday afternoon matchup against the Houston Texans, where McManus will debut as their new kicker.

McManus’s career statistics are notable, with a record of 253 field goal completions, ranking fourth in the NFL from 2014 to 2023. His proficiency particularly shines in field goals under 50 yards, with a conversion rate of 90.8%. This is a critical improvement over previous attempts made by the Packers’ kickers this season.

Prior to his signing by Green Bay, McManus was cut by the Jaguars after being the subject of a sexual assault lawsuit, which was dismissed following an NFL investigation citing insufficient evidence for a personal conduct violation.

The Packers anticipate that McManus’s addition will bolster their scoring abilities, particularly in crucial matchups, with his accuracy being a key asset. The Packers hold a 4-2 record, and with the Texans standing at 5-1, the upcoming game is highly significant for both teams.