Packers Release Kicker Brandon McManus After Heartbreaking Comeback Loss to Chicago Bears

The game at Soldier Field turned into a nightmare for Packers fans. The green-and-gold clad team led 21–3 at halftime, but the Bears mounted a spectacular comeback with 25 points in the fourth quarter. Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams shone with precise passing plays, but it was McManus’ mistakes that were seen as the "knockout punch," forcing the Packers to bow out.

Fun fact: You can't spell Brandon McManus without ANUS pic.twitter.com/YGGgb3ZDUR

— NFL Memes (@NFLMemes) January 11, 2026

Specifically, McManus missed two field goals (a 55-yard attempt at the end of the second quarter and a 44-yard one in the fourth quarter when the score was 27–24) along with an extra point after a touchdown. In total, he left seven points on the field — a number sufficient to alter the outcome of the game, where the Packers lost by just four points. "This was the most embarrassing performance of my career," McManus admitted in the post-game press conference. "I let my teammates down, and I take full responsibility."

Head coach Matt LaFleur, who had extended McManus’ contract in the 2025 offseason expecting him to be a "silent hero," could not hide his disappointment. In the release announcement, LaFleur stated: "We appreciate Brandon’s contributions over the past two seasons, but in the NFL, every decision must prioritize the team’s best interests. After this loss, we need changes to rebuild."

Releasing McManus will save the Packers approximately $2 million in 2026 cap space, though they will incur $3.3 million in dead money. McManus’ performance in the 2025 season was already a warning sign. His field goal percentage dropped sharply from 95.2% the previous year to just 80%, with only 50% success from 40 yards or longer. The special teams unit under coordinator Rich Bisaccia — one of the highest-paid in the NFL — has been problematic all year, from holding errors to ineffective returns. Bisaccia could be next on the chopping block, with rumors that the Packers are considering new candidates for the position.

The loss to the Bears not only ended the season but also puts the Packers in a tough spot for 2026. With edge rusher Micah Parsons expected to miss significant time due to injury and a subsequent trade eliminating their first-round NFL Draft pick, the Packers must rely on their current core roster. Quarterback Jordan Love, despite an impressive game with over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns, has also faced criticism for late-game decisions. "We need to review everything," general manager Brian Gutekunst said. "This is the time to restructure."

Packers fans, already accustomed to playoff heartbreaks (recalling losses to the 49ers in 2022 or Buccaneers in 2021), are boiling over on social media. Hashtags like #FireMcManus and #PackersChoke are spreading rapidly, with many opinions labeling McManus as "the biggest scapegoat." One fan wrote on X: "Thanks McManus for turning our Super Bowl dream into a nightmare. Go and don’t come back!"

With McManus’ release, the Packers are expected to try out free agent kickers or draft a rookie in the later rounds. Current backup kicker Lucas Havrisik may be given a chance to compete. The team now must quickly turn the page, preparing for a challenging offseason to return stronger.