The Lucas Havrisik story has been another success for the UFL, as the league goes into its newest rebrand. Even with Havrisik performing well on the field, his contract makes him possibly a better option for the Packers moving forward.
Havrisik has definitely performed on the field. He’s currently 4 for 4 on Field Goals (including a franchise best 61-yard make), and 6 for 6 on extra points. But while the Packers deal with an injury to Brandon McManus, the financial side of the NFL may keep Havrisik an option for Green Bay moving forward.
Recently McManus has signed a signed a three-year, $15.3 million deal this offseason that included a $5 million signing bonus. Per spotrac and reports the Packers can “eat” the bonus with 1.7 million hitting the cap in 2025, and 3.3 hitting the cap in 2026. With Havrisik only accruing one year of NFL service time (and counting), the Packers could sign him for the league minimum in 2026 (roughly about 900k plus).
Because of this the Packers could actually save about 3.7 million dollars or so if deciding to stay with Havrisik, however this would most likely be in the form of a trade. There is also the obvious fact that Havrisik is eight years younger than McManus who is dealing with injuries, while Havrisik is obviously healthy.
While the transaction is considerably a long shot it is worth noting. Especially with McManus’ “day-to-day” injury seemingly taking a bit longer than expected. The more likely reality is that when healthy Havrisik is released and possibly stashed on the practice squad as an insurance policy.
Regardless, Havrisik through his first two games has proven that he is capable of remaining in the NFL and with the volatility of the Kicker position continues to position himself to be an option for kicker needy teams if called upon. Currently there are four spring football kickers actively playing for NFL teams as Havrisik joins Brandon Aubrey (Stallions/Cowboys), Jake Bates (Panthers/Lions), and Andre Smyzt (Battlehawks/Browns) showing out on Sundays. That doesn’t include Nick Folk (AAF/Jets), and the plethora of Long Snappers still active for NFL teams years later. Since 2019, specialist have earned over 75 million dollars (and counting) in NFL money after appearing in spring football leagues.
