Green Bay’s season hangs by a thread after Brandon McManus’ shocking meltdown sparks a league-wide frenzy.QQ
The Green Bay Packers are at a crossroads following a disheartening performance by kicker Brandon McManus during their October 26, 2025, “Sunday Night Football” matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McManus, a veteran kicker who signed a three-year, $15.3 million contract with the Packers in the offseason, missed both field goal attempts in the first half—a 57-yarder in the second quarter and a critical 44-yard attempt as time expired before halftime. With Green Bay trailing 16-7 at the break, the misses sparked outrage among fans and media, reigniting scrutiny over the Packers’ decision to stick with McManus over the younger, recently flawless Lucas Havrisik.
A Night to Forget for McManus
The game showcased McManus at his worst. Despite a valiant effort from quarterback Jordan Love, who completed all three passes for 36 yards in a 34-second drive to set up a potential score before halftime, McManus pushed the 44-yard field goal wide left. The miss drew immediate backlash, with USA Today’s Ryan Wood taking to X to question the Packers’ choice to play McManus over Havrisik. “Hell of a drive from Jordan Love to get potential points before the half,” Wood posted. “Have to question not playing Lucas Havrisik tonight.”
McManus’ struggles are not new. In four and a half games this season, he has connected on only 7-of-11 field goals and 12-of-13 extra points. His misses include a field goal in Green Bay’s sole loss to the Cleveland Browns (13-10) on September 21, another against the Washington Commanders the previous week, and an extra point in a 40-40 tie against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4. For a team with playoff aspirations, these inconsistencies are alarming, especially given McManus’ hefty contract and the emergence of a viable alternative in Havrisik.
Lucas Havrisik: The Perfect Replacement?
While McManus was sidelined for two games with a quad injury, 26-year-old Lucas Havrisik stepped in and delivered perfection. Havrisik, who played nine games for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, went 4-for-4 on field goals and 6-for-6 on extra points in his two starts for Green Bay. His performance has fueled calls for the Packers to make a permanent switch. Havrisik, a former University of Arizona standout, has shown reliability in limited action, boasting a career record of 15-of-20 field goals and 19-of-22 extra points with the Rams, and now a perfect 4-for-4 with Green Bay.
The contrast between Havrisik’s consistency and McManus’ struggles has put the Packers’ front office in a bind. Social media erupted with frustration after the Steelers game, with fans and analysts questioning why Green Bay didn’t stick with the younger kicker. Havrisik’s age and cost-effectiveness make him an even more appealing option, especially as the Packers face financial considerations.
The Financial Stakes: Trade or Bust
The decision to move on from McManus is not just about performance—it’s also about money. According to Justis Mosqueda of SB Nation’s Acme Packing Co., McManus’ three-year, $15.3 million contract, which includes a $5 million signing bonus, carries a combined cap hit of $8.8 million over 2025 and 2026. If the Packers part ways with McManus, they can only achieve salary cap relief through a trade. Eating the signing bonus would result in a $1.7 million cap hit in 2025 and $3.3 million in 2026.
In contrast, Havrisik, with only one accrued NFL season, can be re-signed as an exclusive rights free agent in 2026 at the league minimum. This move would save Green Bay significant cash while providing a younger, seemingly more reliable kicker. However, trading McManus, a veteran with a proven track record prior to this season, is a gamble that requires confidence in Havrisik’s ability to handle the pressure of a full-time role.
A Brutal Ultimatum for Green Bay
The Packers now face a brutal ultimatum: stick with a struggling veteran tied to a significant financial commitment or take a chance on an unproven but promising youngster. McManus’ 34 years of age and recent inconsistencies raise questions about whether he can regain his form, while Havrisik’s small sample size of perfection offers hope but no guarantees. The decision is further complicated by Green Bay’s 2025 season trajectory—coming off a tie and a single loss, every point matters in their quest for the playoffs.
The fanbase and media are not mincing words. The criticism on platforms like X reflects a growing impatience with McManus and a belief that Havrisik could be the answer. Yet, the Packers’ front office must weigh the risks of moving on from a player they invested in heavily just months ago. A trade could provide cap relief and a fresh start, but it also signals a public admission of a costly mistake.
What’s Next for the Packers?
As Green Bay prepares for the rest of the 2025 season, the kicking situation will remain under intense scrutiny. McManus’ performance against Pittsburgh has sent shockwaves through the NFL, amplifying doubts about his reliability and the team’s decision-making. If Havrisik continues to outperform expectations in any future opportunities, the pressure to make a change will only grow.
For now, the Packers must decide whether to double down on McManus, hoping he can rebound, or pivot to Havrisik, a move that could reshape their roster and financial outlook. One thing is clear: in a league where margins are razor-thin, Green Bay cannot afford to let missed kicks define their season. The clock is ticking, and the NFL world is watching.
