The Green Bay Packers are getting moves done ahead of free agency.
It all starts by re-signing your own players. Earlier this week, they worked out a new deal with linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, ensuring there is solid depth behind rising star Edgerrin Cooper and starter Quay Walker.
Now, general manager Brian Gutekunst has ensured his kicker is sticking around.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers have re-signed kicker Brandon McManus to a three-year deal worth $15.3 million.
It's a smart and necessary move. Green Bay learned the hard way what life looked like after the Mason Crosby era. After failed experiments with Anders Carlson and Brayden Narveson, Gutekunst opted for McManus' experience, and he immediately solved a major issue on special teams.
Now, he is back on a long-term deal.
Packers make smart decision to re-sign Brandon McManus to three-year extension before free agency
It's a move the Packers needed to make, ensuring they have stability at an important position for multiple seasons.
Green Bay got a great deal. Per Over The Cap, McManus' $5.1 million salary ties for 11th in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills' Tyler Bass. Considering McManus' impact on the Packers' special teams this past season, it's a great contract.
After Narveson missed five field goals in the Packers' opening six games, the team pivoted to McManus, who went a near-perfect 20-of-21 in the final 11 regular-season games. Unfortunately, he saved an uncharacteristic miss for the worst possible time when his 38-yard attempt went wide right in the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Gutekunst may have learned a harsh lesson after Crosby departed two years ago. It's better to find an experienced kicker with a proven NFL track record than gamble on a Day 3 pick.
Carlson had a big leg and made some clutch kicks for the Packers, but his wild inconsistency produced far too many negatives than positives. Narveson looked fantastic all summer for the Tennessee Titans before a last-minute switch to Green Bay, but it fell apart when the games actually counted.
McManus is a capable, experienced kicker and should ensure the Packers have stability at a crucial position.
It leaves Green Bay with one fewer decision to make when the new league year officially begins on March 12. The attention now shifts to the futures of Eric Stokes, Josh Myers, and AJ Dillon.