2026 Draft Rd 6 #35 K Trey Smack Florida

[Pokerbrat2000]

Based on McManus past history, it makes me wonder if something has developed that made the Packers skittish about keeping him. This is a real mystery.

While that definitely could be the case, it is still interesting that they still paid him the $1M roster bonus in March. I guess if something arouse between that payment and May 8th, the day they released him, it is a good explanation. With the way the internet works, seems if it was something legal about McManus, we would have heard it by now.

I still think McManus's release had more to do with Smack being drafted. Again, if I was Gute, I would have kept all 3 kickers or released Havrisik.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Here's my thinking on why they cut McManus vs Havrisik. Once they drafted Smack, I think they already resigned themselves to him as the starter. Once they did that, they weren't going to keep McManus as a backup and wanted to keep Havrisik on the roster in that slot for preseason and not cut him for other teams to possibly add for PS.

While I agree that this was probably the thinking, I question it. Like I have said all along. McManus was paid up until the final cutdowns. He was an expensive $1M insurance policy, that they simply tore up before letting it play out. The Packers have hitched their wagons to Smack and Havrisik and will have to live with that for now.

As far as the last part, teams don't have a PS right now. They declare the members of their PS AFTER the Sept. cuts, and those said 16/17 players first have to clear waivers before they can be resigned by the Packers to their Practice Squad. They are also free to sign with any other team, once they clear waivers. So that isn't a rationale for keeping Havrisik over McManus.

My other "playing devils advocate" point that I haven't made is this. Let's say they keep all 3 kickers until Sept. or even just Smack and McManus. If BOTH kickers have an awesome preseason, guess who has a kicker for trade bait? Trading McManus in late August to a team that suddenly finds it is in great need of a quality kicker, for say a 6th round pick, is at least some return on that million dollars they paid McManus.

 

[Voyageur]

While I agree that this was probably the thinking, I question it. Like I have said all along. McManus was paid up until the final cutdowns. He was an expensive $1M insurance policy, that they simply tore up before letting it play out. The Packers have hitched their wagons to Smack and Havrisik and will have to live with that for now.

As far as the last part, teams don't have a PS right now. They declare the members of their PS AFTER the Sept. cuts, and those said 16/17 players first have to clear waivers before they can be resigned by the Packers to their Practice Squad. They are also free to sign with any other team, once they clear waivers. So that isn't a rationale for keeping Havrisik over McManus.

My other "playing devils advocate" point that I haven't made is this. Let's say they keep all 3 kickers until Sept. or even just Smack and McManus. If BOTH kickers have an awesome preseason, guess who has a kicker for trade bait? Trading McManus in late August to a team that suddenly finds it is in great need of a quality kicker, for say a 6th round pick, is at least some return on that million dollars they paid McManus.

No practice squad but they have up to 90 players on their roster including those with future contracts. That's how they were able to hold onto Havrisik, with a contract like that. There will be changes in that group between now and training camp and in training camp the cuts will really start to come down the pike.

 

[Schultz]

While that definitely could be the case, it is still interesting that they still paid him the $1M roster bonus in March. I guess if something arouse between that payment and May 8th, the day they released him, it is a good explanation. With the way the internet works, seems if it was something legal about McManus, we would have heard it by now.

I still think McManus's release had more to do with Smack being drafted. Again, if I was Gute, I would have kept all 3 kickers or released Havrisik.

I agree. After the draft they did not cut any starters from the other positions they drafted.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

No practice squad but they have up to 90 players on their roster including those with future contracts. That's how they were able to hold onto Havrisik, with a contract like that. There will be changes in that group between now and training camp and in training camp the cuts will really start to come down the pike.

Yup, 90 players and I would wager to guess that 1 of them is less valuable than your potential starting kicker. Havrisik's contract of $1.075M isn't guaranteed. On the other side of the coin, Smack is guaranteed $413K and McManus was given $1M and cut.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Haversik breaks the packers all time franchise longest FG. And gets cut... Kinda cursed us.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Haversik breaks the packers all time franchise longest FG. And gets cut... Kinda cursed us.

That kick and going 4 of 4 on FG attempts is probably why he is still on the roster. However, missing 2 XP attempts out of 9, is probably one of the reasons he isn't the starter.

Despite being in the league since 2022, Haversik has only attempted 24 FG's for the Rams and Packers. He is 19 of 24 (79%) on those attempts. Meanwhile, he is only 26 of 31 on XP's (84%). The NFL Average on XP's is 95.8%.

While I liked the drafting of Smack, I assumed that he and McManus would be battling it out for the starting job. I don't have a lot of confidence in Haversik being the starter and at this point, I have no clue what Smack will bring as the starter. I expect another season of uncertainty when it comes to FG's and XP's for the Packers.

 

[tynimiller]

Haversik breaks the packers all time franchise longest FG. And gets cut... Kinda cursed us.

LOL...and Janis caught one of the biggest Packer catches ever.....doesn't mean he was one of our best WRs that year.

Haversik has struggled to stay in the league

He went undrafted and was picked up as an UDFA by Colts in 2022. Colts never kept him...
He joined the Rams in 2023 after they grabbed him from the Browns Practice Squad...and played 9 games for them.
Rams however before playoffs brought back Brett Maher who had been autrocious and is why they let him go and signed Haversik...

Haversik in those 9 games went 15 of 20 and 19 of 22 on XP. That isn't great. He missed 4 from 40-49 yards and 1 above 50.

He didn't see actual game time in 2024, but spent offseason and training camp back with the Browns...and Bills practice squad some.

2025 we signed him from the UFL because no NFL team had him....and went 4 for 4 on FGs but 7 of 9 for XPs

Yes, he hit a bomb of a kick....but we should not trick ourselves into thinking he has showcased across his time in the league to be a lock better than anyone else on our roster.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

LOL...and Janis caught one of the biggest Packer catches ever.....doesn't mean he was one of our best WRs that year.

Haversik has struggled to stay in the league

He went undrafted and was picked up as an UDFA by Colts in 2022. Colts never kept him...
He joined the Rams in 2023 after they grabbed him from the Browns Practice Squad...and played 9 games for them.
Rams however before playoffs brought back Brett Maher who had been autrocious and is why they let him go and signed Haversik...

Haversik in those 9 games went 15 of 20 and 19 of 22 on XP. That isn't great. He missed 4 from 40-49 yards and 1 above 50.

He didn't see actual game time in 2024, but spent offseason and training camp back with the Browns...and Bills practice squad some.

2025 we signed him from the UFL because no NFL team had him....and went 4 for 4 on FGs but 7 of 9 for XPs

Yes, he hit a bomb of a kick....but we should not trick ourselves into thinking he has showcased across his time in the league to be a lock better than anyone else on our roster.

Stop peeking over my shoulder!

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[OldSchool101]

LOL...and Janis caught one of the biggest Packer catches ever.....doesn't mean he was one of our best WRs that year.

Haversik has struggled to stay in the league

He went undrafted and was picked up as an UDFA by Colts in 2022. Colts never kept him...
He joined the Rams in 2023 after they grabbed him from the Browns Practice Squad...and played 9 games for them.
Rams however before playoffs brought back Brett Maher who had been autrocious and is why they let him go and signed Haversik...

Haversik in those 9 games went 15 of 20 and 19 of 22 on XP. That isn't great. He missed 4 from 40-49 yards and 1 above 50.

He didn't see actual game time in 2024, but spent offseason and training camp back with the Browns...and Bills practice squad some.

2025 we signed him from the UFL because no NFL team had him....and went 4 for 4 on FGs but 7 of 9 for XPs

Yes, he hit a bomb of a kick....but we should not trick ourselves into thinking he has showcased across his time in the league to be a lock better than anyone else on our roster.

Yes and I think Smack is the better overall Kicker under <60 yards. Call it 58 and below and we really rarely try or make kicks beyond 58 yards. Crosby called to congratulate Havrisik on his 61 yarder and win over Arizona. Thrn humorously pulled out a football with “longest FG 58 Yards” written on it. He asked Havrisik what he’s supposed to do with that inscribed ball?!. lol.
I just love Mason he’s a character.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

That kick and going 4 of 4 on FG attempts is probably why he is still on the roster. However, missing 2 XP attempts out of 9, is probably one of the reasons he isn't the starter.

Despite being in the league since 2022, Haversik has only attempted 24 FG's for the Rams and Packers. He is 19 of 24 (79%) on those attempts. Meanwhile, he is only 26 of 31 on XP's (84%). The NFL Average on XP's is 95.8%.

While I liked the drafting of Smack, I assumed that he and McManus would be battling it out for the starting job. I don't have a lot of confidence in Haversik being the starter and at this point, I have no clue what Smack will bring as the starter. I expect another season of uncertainty when it comes to FG's and XP's for the Packers.

Mcmanus should've been fired before he hit the locker room. Lol. No way he could come back. Imo.

I didn't realize haversik had such a weak extra point percentage. Wonder what the reason is? Just shanking them?

Smack is a cool prospect. Hope he changes my mind on training camp. Personally , right now,I'd like to see him sit on the practice squad. The room for rookie mistakes in the kicking game in 2026. After last years,,, what ever that was. Complete melt down of the kicker.

To spite all of GBs injuries. To spite the bears dirty play. GB should have won that playoff game.

GB going to the Superbowl this year, if they avoid injuries. Can't have a rookie choking the 2026 season away, in a 2.0 version.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

LOL...and Janis caught one of the biggest Packer catches ever.....doesn't mean he was one of our best WRs that year.

Haversik has struggled to stay in the league

He went undrafted and was picked up as an UDFA by Colts in 2022. Colts never kept him...
He joined the Rams in 2023 after they grabbed him from the Browns Practice Squad...and played 9 games for them.
Rams however before playoffs brought back Brett Maher who had been autrocious and is why they let him go and signed Haversik...

Haversik in those 9 games went 15 of 20 and 19 of 22 on XP. That isn't great. He missed 4 from 40-49 yards and 1 above 50.

He didn't see actual game time in 2024, but spent offseason and training camp back with the Browns...and Bills practice squad some.

2025 we signed him from the UFL because no NFL team had him....and went 4 for 4 on FGs but 7 of 9 for XPs

Yes, he hit a bomb of a kick....but we should not trick ourselves into thinking he has showcased across his time in the league to be a lock better than anyone else on our roster.

Well that makes me think we should be looking up free agent kickers maybe? Lol. Yikes.

What do you think about legitimately starting the rookie this year?

 

[tynimiller]

Well that makes me think we should be looking up free agent kickers maybe? Lol. Yikes.

What do you think about legitimately starting the rookie this year?

Smack is barring injury or autrocious camp 100% the starter week 1. Drafting a kicker is only done if that is the plan.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Smack is barring injury or autrocious camp 100% the starter week 1. Drafting a kicker is only done if that is the plan.

Some of those 5/9 days and shanking 30 yarders. Only to hit a 55 harder and come back from the abyss.

That going to win him the week 1 starter job?

 

[tynimiller]

Some of those 5/9 days and shanking 30 yarders. Only to hit a 55 harder and come back from the abyss.

That going to win him the week 1 starter job?

It's practice and early. I'm not making any declarations of a guy when wearing shorts lol

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

It's practice and early. I'm not making any declarations of a guy when wearing shorts lol

All I'm saying is Vince Lombardi would've been out there practicing kicks in a 3 piece suit and fedora.

 

[Voyageur]

Lucas Havrisik's missed extra-points vs NY Giants

Lucas Havrisik’s two missed extra points in the Week 11 game against the New York Giants were the result of a combination of challenging game conditions and his own in-game struggles, rather than a single isolated error.

Windy field conditions
The game at MetLife Stadium was played in windy weather, which made it difficult for both teams’ kickers. While the wind affected both sides, it was cited by head coach Matt LaFleur as a factor in the misses, though he stressed that “you ultimately you got to find a way” in such conditions
. The wind likely disrupted Havrisik’s aim and timing, especially in a short-range extra point situation.

In-game performance slump
Entering the game, Havrisik was perfect on his kicks, but the Giants’ defense and the weather combined to create a tough environment. His misses came on three total extra point attempts, and they were enough to keep the game close — the Packers only won on a two-point conversion and a Jameis Winston interception. This performance was a sharp contrast to his earlier season form, where he was 10-for-10 on kicks.

Opportunity cost and team context
With Brandon McManus sidelined by a quad injury, Havrisik was given a chance to step in. However, the missed XPs highlighted a lack of consistency, especially in high-pressure, short-range situations. The loss of McManus’ reliability and the difficulty of the conditions meant the team’s kicking unit was under more scrutiny.

No clear mechanical fault
Reports did not point to a mechanical or training issue as the cause; instead, the combination of weather, opponent pressure, and in-game execution was blamed. LaFleur’s comments suggested the team had practiced in windy conditions and expected to adapt, but the results showed Havrisik’s ability to do so was still in question.
In short, Havrisik’s missed extra points were likely due to a mix of adverse weather, defensive pressure, and his own in-game struggles, which together created a situation where even a short kick was difficult to execute reliably.

 

[Schultz]

It's practice and early. I'm not making any declarations of a guy when wearing shorts lol

Then put your pants on and tell us what you think.

 

[milani]

That kick and going 4 of 4 on FG attempts is probably why he is still on the roster. However, missing 2 XP attempts out of 9, is probably one of the reasons he isn't the starter.

Despite being in the league since 2022, Haversik has only attempted 24 FG's for the Rams and Packers. He is 19 of 24 (79%) on those attempts. Meanwhile, he is only 26 of 31 on XP's (84%). The NFL Average on XP's is 95.8%.

While I liked the drafting of Smack, I assumed that he and McManus would be battling it out for the starting job. I don't have a lot of confidence in Haversik being the starter and at this point, I have no clue what Smack will bring as the starter. I expect another season of uncertainty when it comes to FG's and XP's for the Packers.

The job is there for the taking.

 

[milani]

Smack is barring injury or autrocious camp 100% the starter week 1. Drafting a kicker is only done if that is the plan.

I keep harking back to 1997. Wolf drafted a kicker to replace Chris Jacke who was a free agent. I believe his name was Brett Conway. He flopped miserably in the first preseason game. He got hurt during the next practice. For the second preseason game Wolf signed Ryan Longwell and he remained our kicker through 2005. Who would have thought? Getting a reliable kicker should not be that hard.

 

[tynimiller]

Then put your pants on and tell us what you think.

This is awesome!!! LoL

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Mcmanus should've been fired before he hit the locker room. Lol. No way he could come back. Imo.

The is the kind of sentiment, IMO, that can get teams into trouble with kickers. I know, fans want every kicker to make every FG or XP from 49 yards in. However, that just doesn't happen, even with the best kickers. Kickers are going to have off days, just like every other player on the field. WR's are going to run the wrong route, drop a pass, miss blocks, etc. You don't see them being cut immediately.

I hope whoever the Packers settle on to be their starting kicker in Sept. that they and fans will show some patience with. As of today, neither kicker on the Packer roster has a ton of experience and for me, experience/longevity in the NFL is a kickers best attribute.

 

[Voyageur]

The is the kind of sentiment, IMO, that can get teams into trouble with kickers. I know, fans want every kicker to make every FG or XP from 49 yards in. However, that just doesn't happen, even with the best kickers. Kickers are going to have off days, just like every other player on the field. WR's are going to run the wrong route, drop a pass, miss blocks, etc. You don't see them being cut immediately.

I hope whoever the Packers settle on to be their starting kicker in Sept. that they and fans will show some patience with. As of today, neither kicker on the Packer roster has a ton of experience and for me, experience/longevity in the NFL is a kickers best attribute.

I think you're absolutely right about experience and having off days. Over the years, the best of them have had days where they couldn't get the job done. If you held every player on the roster up to those criteria of getting it right every time, you'd run out of players in a couple of games because all of them would fail.

It's kind of like baseball. As a hitter, if you get it wrong 70% of the time, you're still a .300 hitter and that's pretty darned good. A kicker hovering around 90% is a decent kicker for the most part. I've also noticed that some of the longest kickers tend to miss mostly in the mid-range basis. Also, consider the fact that not that long ago, the distance kicking extra points now was considered a substantial length field goal. The game has evolved, kicking styles evolved, the ball and field consistency has evolved, and even the inflation of the ball has changed.