Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to the NFL, confident that the issues that kept him sidelined earlier this season are now behind him. The Packers signed the 33-year-old veteran on Wednesday to replace rookie Brayden Narveson, who has struggled, missing a league-high five field goals.
McManus had been without a team since the summer, after two women sued him and the Jacksonville Jaguars in civil court, accusing him of sexual assault while they were working as flight attendants on the Jaguars’ trip to London. McManus and his lawyer, Brett Gallaway, confirmed the lawsuit had been settled, though details remain confidential.
“It’s been a tough few months, but I’m glad it’s behind me,” McManus said. “I’ve been working hard for another opportunity, and I’m grateful to the Packers for giving me the chance to get back to doing what I love.”
Narveson, who made 12 of 17 field goal attempts this season, was replaced as the Packers look for more consistency in a competitive NFC North. General manager Brian Gutekunst praised Narveson’s talent but acknowledged that his inexperience was an issue. With important games ahead, including matchups against the Texans, Lions, Bears, and 49ers, Gutekunst said it was crucial to bring in a veteran like McManus, who has proven experience in high-pressure situations.
McManus, a former Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos, brings a career field goal percentage of 81.4%, which is similar to Narveson’s predecessor, Anders Carlson. After trying rookies Carlson and Narveson, the Packers felt it was time to make a change as the stakes rise.
Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia emphasized that McManus brings an upgrade in key areas, and the Packers are counting on his experience to help them through the challenging weeks ahead.
