Green Bay Packers fans can breathe a sigh of relief after the first preseason game, as rookie kicker Trey Smack had a great performance.
Smack made all three of his field goal attempts, hitting from 37, 58, and 38 yards. He also made another 58-yard field goal, but a defensive penalty gave the Packers a first down.
Green Bay seems to have confidence in their rookie kicker as they traded up in the sixth round to select him and released veteran kicker Brandon McManus.
McManus struggled in the 2025 season, only making 24 of 30 field goal attempts and 32 of 33 extra points in the regular season. He was a major factor in the Packers' loss to the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card Game, missing two field goals and an extra point.
Although he had some moments during his time with the team, McManus's struggles in a big game were undeniable, leading to his release.
Green Bay has had special teams issues over the past decade, resulting in playoff collapses. The Packers are taking the unit seriously heading into the 2026 season as special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia resigned, leading to Cam Achord taking over that role.
With a new special teams coordinator and kicker in place, Green Bay has hope for the unit to turn around.
Smack is coming off a quality career in college with the Florida Gators. In the 2023 season, Smack made 17 of 21 field goal attempts and 29 of 29 extra point attempts. He stayed consistent in 2024, making 18 of 21 field goal attempts and 44 of 44 extra point attempts.
He had another solid season for the Gators in 2025, making 18 of 22 field goal attempts and 27 of 28 extra point attempts.
With the success in college and in his first preseason game, Smack could be the long-term answer at kicker that the Packers have been looking for since they had Mason Crosby.
However, Green Bay will need the rookie kicker to stay consistent throughout the season, and especially in the playoffs.