The Green Bay Packers are well aware of their ongoing kicking struggles and have started taking steps to address the issue. Earlier this week, the team brought in two kickers for tryouts as they consider replacing struggling rookie Brayden Narveson.
However, one of their top options is already off the table. The Arizona Cardinals swiftly signed kicker Chad Ryland to their practice squad just a day after his workout with Green Bay, leaving the Packers with fewer choices.
Ryland, though, wasn’t a guaranteed solution to the Packers’ kicking woes. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round last year, he struggled to find consistency, converting only 64 percent of his field goals, leading to his release this summer.
As Green Bay continues to search for a replacement, they also worked out Lucas Havrisik, who made 75 percent of his field goals and missed three extra points with the Los Angeles Rams last season. Other veteran free agents available include Brett Maher, Randy Bullock, and Cade York—any of whom could potentially improve the position, though none offer any guarantees.
There is also former Packers draft pick Anders Carlson, but the team is unlikely to re-sign him after moving on for a reason. Another option on the practice squad is Alex Hale, part of the NFL International Pathway Program. However, he has no NFL experience and didn’t even kick during the preseason, making him a significant gamble.
The limited options likely explain why the Packers haven’t made a signing yet. While they seek more consistency at kicker, no clear-cut replacement for Narveson stands out. The team may decide to give their rookie kicker another week or two to improve. However, if Narveson continues to struggle, the Packers will have no choice but to make a change.
