The Washington Commanders unexpectedly faced a key vacancy when free-agent kicker Brandon McManus was accused of sexual assault and subsequently released. The search for his replacement could extend through training camp or even into the regular season.
According to BrownwoodNews.com’s Derrick Stuckly, UFL star kicker Matthew McCrane had a tryout with the Commanders on June 11.
McManus, who had been the only kicker on the Commanders roster, signed a 1-year, $3.6 million contract on March 14. McCrane, playing for the D.C. Defenders the past two seasons, hit 5-of-7 field goals over 50 yards in 2024, including two 58-yarders.
“I had a solid workout with the Commanders and excelled in the kickoff/directional portion, which is my specialty,” McCrane told Stuckly. He also mentioned interest from other NFL teams and noted that UFL players are restricted from signing with NFL teams until after the UFL Championship game on June 16.
At Kansas State under coach Bill Snyder, McCrane was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2017. He set school records in field goals (57), field-goal percentage (86.4%), PAT percentage (99.3%), and ranked third in points (304). McCrane went undrafted in 2018 but has been on the roster or practice squad of five NFL teams, making 8-of-12 field goals with the Oakland Raiders, including a game-winner in overtime against the Cleveland Browns.
McCrane also played with the XFL’s New York Guardians in 2020 and had standout performances for the Defenders, including a game-winning 49-yard field goal against the Arlington Renegades in April 2024.
The Commanders also signed former Green Bay Packers kicker Ramiz Ahmed on June 5, shortly after releasing McManus. Ahmed had spent part of the 2024 spring season with the Birmingham Stallions and holds the USFL record for the longest field goal (61 yards). He has handled kickoffs in one NFL game but has yet to attempt an NFL field goal or PAT.
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