Packers get positive first impression of a player they have just added

The kicking competition couldn't have been more agitated for the Green Bay Packers. They signed and cut several players throughout this calendar year and ended up parting ways with both Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph, who kicked for the team during the preseason.

Ultimately, the competition has two winners. Bradyen Narveson, claimed off waivers from the Tennessee Titans a day after final roster cuts, and Alex Hale , who will be on the practice squad as a member of the International Pathway Program .

It's not the ideal outcome after the Packers spent a sixth-round pick on Carlson a year ago, but the first impressions of Narveson couldn't have been better.

"He's done a nice job. He kicked again today, so he's kicked twice now," said head coach Matt LaFleur on Sunday. "I just like his approach, his mentality. I can't wait to see what happens in the game."

At the end of the day, what Narveson does in the game is what matters, and for a rookie it's impossible to precisely project what will happen. But Narveson is excited with a new opportunity.

Challenges

The big issue before the regular season opener is that Narveson will have little time to get used to his new operation teammates. It's just a handful of practices with long snapper Matthew Orzech and holder Daniel Whelan.

"Coming into a new spot, not getting any real reps with the holder and snapper pre and going into a scrimmage-like setting in Lambeau Field," the rookie said about what's most challenging. "I think it's just going to prepare me down the line."

Even though it's not exactly a comfortable situation, Brayden Narveson has experience with changes. Throughout his college career, he played for Iowa State, Western Kentucky, and NC State, before being undrafted this year.

"I'm going to go out and prepare every single day like it's a game," Narveson added. "And then, when gameday comes, I'm going to execute."

Approach

In his first two practices with the Packers, Brayden Narveson was almost perfect. He converted all five field goals, including a 58-yarder. On Sunday, he was 5-of-6, missing a 51-yarder but converting a 53-yarder.

LaFleur said he "absolutely" does have confidence in Narveson after what he saw early on. But last week, the head coach had mentioned he will tend to be more aggressive on fourth down calls until he sees a kicker being consistent. This is a perception LaFleur will only consolidate when game situations happen, and it's Narveson's job to show the coaching staff he can be a positive weapon for the team — something that Anders Carlson could never be on a consistent basis.

Deal

One additional benefit of having a young kicker like Narveson for the Packers is that he is affordable. When Green Bay claimed him off waivers, the team absorbed the kicker's original deal with the Tennessee Titans. Therefore, he is under contract through 2026, making $795k this year, $960k next year, and $1.075 million in his final season. He's slated to be a restricted free agent in 2027.

Related: Packers have a new kicker, but waiver claims also brought negative news