In response to lackluster production from backup QBs and kickers, the Packers turned to Tennessee. Just after acquiring quarterback Malik Willis from the Titans, General Manager Brian Gutekunst also picked up former Titans kicker Brayden Narveson. Narveson, an undrafted rookie who played at NC State, Western Kentucky, and Iowa State, impressed during the preseason but couldn’t beat out veteran Nick Folk for the starting job.
Green Bay decided to part ways with their current kicker, Anders Carlson, before the final roster cuts. The team had brought in veteran Greg Joseph to compete with Carlson, and while Joseph made the initial 53-man roster, he was released after Narveson was claimed. Gutekunst confirmed that Narveson will be Green Bay’s kicker, with his debut set for next week in Brazil.
So, who is Brayden Narveson?
After going undrafted in 2024, Narveson signed with the Titans and competed for the starting kicker spot. During his college career, Narveson was reliable, making all 196 of his extra-point attempts and hitting 78% of his field goals.
In comparison, Carlson posted a 98.3% success rate on extra points and 71.8% on field goals during his college years.
Narveson caught the attention of Packers fans during the preseason by going 6-for-7 on field goals. His only miss was a 58-yard attempt that fell short and was nearly returned for a touchdown. In the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks, he made a 59-yard field goal, showing plenty of leg strength. He also converted three fourth-quarter field goals, including a 46-yard game-winner, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure. Additionally, he was perfect on extra points, a massive improvement for Green Bay after Carlson led the league in missed extra points last season.
Gutekunst expressed confidence in Narveson, noting that the team had been monitoring him since he was in college. Narveson is now the team’s primary kicker, with International Pathway Player Alex Hale on the practice squad as a backup. Carlson and Joseph won’t be returning to the practice squad.
Reflecting on Carlson’s release, Gutekunst admitted that he might not have the same level of patience with specialists as his predecessor, Ted Thompson, who stuck with Mason Crosby through rough patches. Gutekunst has been more willing to move on from specialists who haven’t performed, such as former punter J.K. Scott, who has since found success with another team.
Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the uncertainty of starting the season with a new kicker, calling it “uncharted territory.” He noted that special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia would have to work quickly to get Narveson ready for Week 1. LaFleur also admitted that having a rookie kicker might affect his decisions, particularly on fourth downs.
“Absolutely. 100%,” LaFleur said on Wednesday. “It’s like playing in bad weather—you have to adjust.”
Starting the season with a rookie kicker is a risk, especially for a team with Super Bowl hopes, but finding a reliable kicker is no easy task. Narveson will need time to build chemistry with the team’s punter and long snapper. Although he’s unproven in the NFL, there’s reason for optimism. Overall, the Packers are taking a chance, knowing that most teams already have established kickers. Narveson has big shoes to fill following Mason Crosby’s long tenure, but he deserves the opportunity to prove himself.
