Packers Sign Rookie Brayden Narveson, Moving On from Greg Joseph
In a notable shift in strategy following a rather uninspired summer competition among kickers Anders Carlson, Greg Joseph, and two other contenders, the Green Bay Packers have decisively altered their approach. On Wednesday, immediately after the final roster cuts were made, the Packers made a significant move by claiming rookie kicker Brayden Narveson from the Tennessee Titans. Narveson, who will now occupy Greg Joseph’s position on the Packers’ 53-man roster, showcased his talents during the preseason with a commendable performance, converting 6-of-7 field goals and executing both extra points with precision.
The decision to acquire Narveson reflects the Packers’ longstanding admiration for his potential. The young kicker’s journey began at North Carolina State, where he garnered attention for his strong leg and reliability. As the preseason unfolded, Narveson’s performance with the Titans only amplified the Packers’ interest. General Manager Brian Gutekunst articulated the team’s enthusiasm: “Brayden was a player we had been keen on from his collegiate days. His performance in Tennessee, particularly his ability to handle high-pressure situations, confirmed our belief in his potential. When he became available, it presented an ideal opportunity to bring in a promising young kicker and give him a chance to prove himself.”
Gutekunst admitted that his patience with specialists has sometimes been tested, but his confidence in the 2024 Packers’ prospects was too high to settle for anything less than an optimal solution at the kicker position. The decision was influenced by Carlson’s failure to show expected improvement over the summer and Joseph’s inconsistent performance despite his experience. “We were determined to improve our situation at kicker, whether that involved Anders Carlson or someone new. The key was to find a better option, and that’s what we pursued,” Gutekunst explained.
Narveson’s inaugural regular-season appearances are likely to commence in Week 1, where he will face the Philadelphia Eagles in a globally televised game from Brazil. The Packers will have a short timeframe to gauge Narveson’s mental fortitude before he is called upon to execute crucial kicks in a high-stakes environment. “His preseason was marked by notable achievements, including a 59-yard field goal and a game-winning kick under intense pressure. We continuously monitor such attributes to ensure our kickers can handle the demands of the NFL,” Gutekunst added.
In a standout preseason performance against the Seattle Seahawks, Narveson demonstrated his composure and skill by making three consecutive field goals in the fourth quarter. His decisive 46-yard kick as time expired secured a dramatic victory for the Titans.
Now, with Narveson officially joining the Packers, he faces the challenge of proving himself as the long-term solution for the team’s kicking needs. Alex Hale remains on the practice squad, designated as the team’s international player, but Narveson has been entrusted with the primary kicking duties. “We’re genuinely excited to bring Brayden into our fold and evaluate his capabilities. His talent is evident, but, as with all players, the ultimate measure of his success will be his performance on the field,” Gutekunst concluded.
This strategic shift highlights the Packers’ commitment to ensuring that every aspect of their team is aligned with their ambitious goals for the upcoming season. With Narveson now in the spotlight, the team and its fans eagerly await his contributions and hope for a successful start to the new NFL season.
