Who Should I Start? Brandon McManus or Evan McPherson

Tuesday, March 4, 10:44 PM

The Green Bay Packers agreed to re-sign kicker Brandon McManus on Tuesday to a three-year, $15.3 million deal, including a $5 million signing bonus, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal was negotiated by Drew and Jason Rosenhaus. McManus joined the Packers midway through the 2024 and helped stabilize a position that had been a headache for the team ever since Mason Crosby left. The 33-year-old veteran made 20 of his 21 field-goal attempts, including all three from 50-plus yards out, and all 30 of his extra-point tries in 11 regular-season games. In the wild-card game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, he made one of his two field goals and his only point-after attempt. Given the upside of Green Bay's offense with quarterback Jordan Love, McManus should enter the 2025 season as a fringe top-12 fantasy option, at worst.

Saturday, September 6, 2:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson appeared to be on his way to becoming one of the league's best at the position. However, McPherson's production has gone in the wrong direction since his rookie year, and he finished the 2024 campaign by making only 72.7% of his attempts, a career-low. He was also limited to 12 games due to injury. The Bengals offense can move down the field quickly, which should give the 26-year-old chances to produce for fantasy managers. Still, until McPherson proves he can be trusted to capitalize on his opportunities, managers may want to consider other kickers for the Week 1 AFC North clash with the Browns.