As the NFL offseason approaches, the Green Bay Packers are already setting their sights on the future. While much of the attention in Green Bay will naturally focus on the development of their young quarterback Jordan Love and how they’ll address key positions to build around him, one area that could significantly impact the team’s fortunes in the coming season is their special teams. As such, the Packers have reportedly made plans to re-sign kicker Brandon McManus this offseason, a move that underscores their commitment to stability, consistency, and excellence in all three phases of the game.
Since his arrival in Green Bay, McManus has quietly become a reliable figure in the Packers’ special teams unit. Known for his experience, calm under pressure, and leg strength, McManus has been exactly what the Packers were looking for after several years of uncertainty at the kicker position. With the 2024 season in the distance, re-signing McManus seems like a logical move to ensure that the Packers continue to have a steady presence in a position that can often make or break games. In this article, we’ll delve into McManus’ impact on the Packers, the reasons why bringing him back for another season is critical, and what his future with the team might look like.
Brandon McManus’ Journey to Green Bay
Before diving into the impact of McManus’ potential return, it’s important to take a moment to understand how the Packers found themselves turning to the veteran kicker in the first place.
Brandon McManus entered the NFL in 2013, being drafted by the Denver Broncos as a promising young kicker. Over the course of his career in Denver, McManus cemented himself as one of the NFL’s more reliable kickers, earning a reputation for his consistency and ability to handle pressure. He played a key role in the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory, including a crucial field goal in the championship game. By the time he was ready to leave Denver, McManus had established himself as a kicker capable of making long-distance attempts (his career long is 62 yards), and he had developed the mental toughness necessary to perform under postseason pressure.
Despite his solid reputation, McManus was eventually allowed to leave Denver in free agency, and Green Bay saw an opportunity to bolster their special teams unit by bringing him on board. The Packers, coming off an up-and-down 2022 season, had experienced some struggles in the kicking game, and the franchise felt the need to address that with a proven veteran. Enter McManus.
McManus joined the Packers in 2023 on a two-year deal, giving Green Bay the stability it lacked at kicker since the departure of long-time kicker Mason Crosby. Crosby, who had been a fixture in Green Bay for over a decade, had been a reliable leg for many years, but his decline in performance in recent seasons led the Packers to seek an upgrade at the position. McManus, with his ability to hit from long distances and handle high-pressure situations, fit the bill.
McManus’ Impact on the Packers’ Special Teams
In his first season with the Packers, McManus has more than lived up to expectations. The kicker has shown great consistency, both in terms of making field goals and kickoffs. As of the 2023 season, McManus has connected on a high percentage of his field goal attempts and has continued to show his range, hitting several long attempts that were crucial in close games. In Green Bay’s cold-weather environment, McManus’ strong leg has proven invaluable, particularly as the team has battled through winter conditions in games at Lambeau Field.
One of McManus’ best attributes is his ability to perform in clutch moments. The NFL season is filled with high-pressure situations, and the kicker position is one of the most mental and stressful roles on the field. From potential game-winners to crucial extra points, McManus has not shown the kind of inconsistency that plagued previous Packers kickers. In the 2023 season, he was asked to perform in several tight games, and he responded by calmly executing under pressure. His proven ability to make crucial kicks gives the Packers confidence that, when the game is on the line, their kicker will do his job.
Another key contribution McManus brings to Green Bay’s special teams unit is his ability to handle kickoffs effectively. Kickoff specialists are often underappreciated, but McManus’ ability to consistently put the ball deep into the end zone and force touchbacks is an essential part of the Packers’ overall field position strategy. By consistently forcing opposing teams to start their drives from deep in their own territory, McManus gives Green Bay’s defense a better chance to succeed.
Why Re-signing McManus is Vital for the Packers
- Stability at a Critical Position
The Packers have experienced a revolving door at kicker since Mason Crosby’s decline. The uncertainty around the position had often been a source of anxiety for Packers fans, especially during close games or in the postseason. By re-signing McManus, the team ensures stability at the kicker position, a role that can significantly affect a team’s success in the regular season and the playoffs. The Packers won’t have to go through the anxiety of bringing in a new kicker who may or may not live up to the high standards set by Crosby.
Having a reliable kicker allows the Packers’ offense and special teams to focus on other aspects of their game, rather than wondering if their kicker will make an important field goal when needed. In a division like the NFC North, where games can be tight and conditions can be tough, McManus provides much-needed peace of mind.
- Leadership and Experience
Brandon McManus brings invaluable leadership to the Packers’ locker room. As a veteran with over a decade of NFL experience, he serves as a calming presence on a special teams unit that features younger players looking to develop. His history of performing in clutch situations, including Super Bowl appearances, gives him a unique perspective and experience that he can pass down to his teammates.
Special teams players often fly under the radar, but they are integral to a team’s overall success. McManus’ leadership on and off the field can help elevate the performance of other specialists, including punter Pat O’Donnell and long snapper Matt Orzech. These units need to work in perfect harmony, and McManus’ experience can help foster that synergy.
- Helping Develop Young Players
One of the core focuses for Green Bay as they move into the 2024 season is the development of their younger players, particularly Jordan Love at quarterback. Having a steady kicker like McManus helps to relieve some of the pressure on the offense. With Love entering his second season as the starting QB, the Packers can focus on developing their young signal-caller without the added concern of struggling in the kicking game. McManus’ accuracy and ability to execute the basics allow the offense to be more aggressive and creative, knowing they have a reliable kicker to depend on when needed.
- Contending for the Playoffs and Beyond
The Packers are in the midst of a rebuild but are still hoping to contend for a playoff spot as early as the 2024 season. In a playoff game, the kicking game can make or break a team’s chances of advancing, particularly when games come down to one or two key possessions. A reliable kicker like McManus gives the Packers a real chance to stay in those high-pressure games and even win them. His ability to hit long field goals and his consistent track record under pressure will be vital as the team aims to compete with other NFC playoff contenders like the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
What’s Next for Brandon McManus and the Packers?
While the Packers have already expressed their desire to re-sign McManus, the terms of his new contract will be a key factor. McManus, entering the latter part of his career, will likely be looking for a deal that offers both financial security and a chance to continue competing for championships. Green Bay, for their part, will need to balance McManus’ value against their salary cap constraints and other roster needs, but keeping McManus in the fold should be a top priority.
If the Packers are able to retain McManus, they will not only solidify their special teams for the upcoming season but also provide stability at a position that could be crucial in a deep playoff run. His leadership, consistency, and proven ability to handle pressure are qualities that make him an invaluable asset to Green Bay as they move forward.
Conclusion: A Smart Move for Green Bay
Re-signing Brandon McManus this offseason is a smart and strategic decision for the Green Bay Packers. In a league where stability at key positions like kicker is often undervalued, McManus offers the Packers a reliable and proven option in one of the most pressure-packed roles on the team. With the future of the team largely focused on developing Jordan Love and building around him, securing McManus’ services will give Green Bay the foundation it needs to move forward, both in terms of special teams and overall team success. As the Packers look to contend for the playoffs and eventually a Super Bowl, McManus’ steady leg could be one of the key components in their success.
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