GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers have a new kicker as they start to prepare for Sunday’s home game against the Houston Texans.

What You Need To Know

  • The Green Bay Packers released rookie Brayden Narveson Wednesday and signed 33-year-old Brandon McManus

  • Narveson had missed field foals in five of the Packers’ six games

  • McManus, the former Broncos and Jaguars kicker, was just released by Washington

  • McManus was cleared of violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy last month after facing a civil suit of sexual assault

Rookie Brayden Narveson had missed field foals in five of the Packers’ six games. So, the Packers made a move, releasing Narveson and signing 33-year-old Brandon McManus, the former Broncos and Jaguars kicker who was released by Washington.

McManus was cleared of violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy last month after facing a civil suit of sexual assault.

“I can't speak on that investigation,” said McManus.

“I have been very honest about it to the league and the Packers. I think they did the research, the NFL resolved it, and so did the courts. So, the matter has been resolved. It's been a difficult time, these past couple of months. I'm happy that's in the past now.”

“I wanted to make sure that we did our due diligence,” said Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst. “We feel really good about that, where we sit right now, and we're excited to get him out there.”

“I think the challenges are just getting him acclimated,” said Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur. “Obviously, just the whole operation. But, he's an experienced guy and we certainly have confidence. Otherwise, we wouldn't have done it.”

I asked McManus what he’d learned about himself through this process.

“Just continue to try to keep my head down and work hard,” said McManus. “Hope for that opportunity again. I’m extremely thankful that there's someone out there that was willing to give me another chance.”

McManus has led the NFL with 28 field goals of 50 or more yards over the last four seasons. He’s also a perfect 13 for 13 on postseason kicks. Most of all, McManus knows the terrific opportunity he has.

“Excited to be here,” said McManus. “ When I was in Denver and in Jacksonville, the community is so important to me. I'm excited to integrate myself in this community, into this locker room here. I've done a lot of charity work in the past and excited, what a great football town this is. A tradition here. I've spoken with other teams, but I was excited to be here. Great young team last year, seeing what they did last year and seeing what they're doing again this year.”

When Matt LaFleur was asked how McManus looked in practice Wednesday, he said “great.”

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