Home / Sports / Packers Revamp Special Teams Unit, Secure Veteran Talent
Packers Revamp Special Teams Unit, Secure Veteran Talent
2 Aug
Summary
- Packers GM Brian Gutekunst prioritizes special teams investments
- Team signs veteran kicker Brandon McManus, punter Daniel Whelan, and long snapper Matthew Orzech
- Packers' special teams unit struggled in recent years, costing them playoff games
The Green Bay Packers have made a concerted effort to strengthen their special teams unit, a move that is starting to pay dividends. In the past, the team's special teams struggles have cost them dearly, including in playoff games. However, under the leadership of General Manager Brian Gutekunst, the Packers have taken a more proactive approach.
Gutekunst has prioritized investing in special teams, drafting a punter and long snapper in his first draft class. After parting ways with veteran kicker Mason Crosby, the team has gone through a series of kickers, including Anders Carlson and a rotating cast of undrafted free agents. But this year, the Packers have secured the services of veteran kicker Brandon McManus, who has solidified the position.
The team has also found stability at punter, signing Daniel Whelan, who has proven to be a reliable starter. Additionally, the Packers have signed long snapper Matthew Orzech, a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams, to a three-year deal, providing stability in that crucial role.
With these key additions, the Packers enter the 2025 season with much more confidence in their special teams unit, a stark contrast to the recent past. The team's new approach to investing in proven talent at these positions has paid off, and it should help them avoid the costly special teams mistakes that have plagued them in the past.
