Trey Smack just bricked an extra point mid-game, and honestly, after missing two chip shots last week, it’s clear the Green Bay Packers are facing a “when, not if” situation for a new kicker. You watch enough football, you know a struggling specialist when you see one, and this is it. It’s tough, but when you’re leaving points on the field like that, a team has to make a move.
The Kicker Carousel Is Spinning For Green Bay
The clock’s ticking for the Packers, especially with their mini-bye coming up, and trust me, the search for a new leg is already well underway. You can bet they are diving deep into the available talent pool. We’re talking about a pretty thin market for reliable kickers, too. Out of all the players who even attempted a field goal between 2024 and 2026,that’s 55 guys total, not counting punters,a massive 46 of them are either locked into contracts with other teams or just out of the league entirely due to injuries or retirement. That narrows the field fast. The good news for Green Bay, though, is that kickers are usually brought in for workouts before they are signed, not poached from practice squads. So, we’re looking at a specific list of “on the street” guys.
Meet The Nine Prospects Who Could Take Over Kicking Duties
So, who’s actually available and ready to step in during this “mini-bye” period? The Packers have a solid list of nine candidates to consider, each with their own recent history and stats since 2024.
First up, Riley Patterson. He’s hit 38 of 45 field goals (an 84 percent rate) and was just released by the Dolphins on October 20. Then there’s Younghoe Koo, who’s 31 of 43 (72 percent) and worked out for the 49ers on September 19. Fun fact for Packers fans: Koo actually played five games for Green Bay’s special teams coordinator Cam Achord in 2025.
Don’t sleep on Matt Prater, either. He’s been money, hitting 24 of 26 field goals (a stellar 92 percent), and worked out with the Rams on October 20. John Parker Romo is another solid option, at 22 of 26 (85 percent), with a Titans workout back on August 8.
Next, we have Harrison Mevis, who’s 17 of 22 (77 percent) and was released by the Rams on October 14. Greg Joseph is also on the radar; he’s 16 of 20 (80 percent) and worked out for the 49ers on September 19. Joseph is a familiar face, a former Packer, and he played six games for Achord in 2024.
Finally, the Packers could look at Cade York, who’s 9 of 13 (69 percent) and was waived by the Jets on August 25. Then there’s Michael Badgley, a seriously accurate guy at 11 of 12 (92 percent), who worked out for the Dolphins on October 20. And last but not least, Lucas Havrisik, who has a perfect 4 of 4 record since 2024 and worked out for the Dolphins on September 22. He’s another former Packer, so there’s history there.
The Packers have a decision to make, and it’s coming fast. With a mini-bye ahead, they’ll be working out these guys, no doubt. The question isn’t if Smack is gone, but which one of these legs steps up and delivers for Green Bay. Who are you pulling for to nail those crucial kicks?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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