Commanders Sign Record-Setting Kicker After McManus Release
The Washington Commanders had planned for their 2024 kicker, but those plans were disrupted by an unexpected scandal.
On June 2, the Commanders released free-agent kicker Brandon McManus following accusations of sexual assault. In response, they signed former Green Bay Packers kicker Ramiz Ahmed as a potential replacement.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams, “Ahmed spent part of the 2024 spring season with the Birmingham Stallions after Chris Blewitt was injured. Ahmed went 10-for-13, including 4-for-7 from beyond 40 yards. He holds the record for the longest field goal in USFL history with a 61-yarder after playing for both the Pittsburgh Maulers and New Jersey Generals. He has never attempted an NFL field goal or PAT but did handle kickoffs in one game for the Packers.”
Ahmed, who played college football at Nevada, joined the team as a walk-on after an open tryout. He went undrafted in 2019 and signed with the Chicago Bears in 2020 but was waived after losing a competition with Eddy Pineiro.
While Ahmed might not be the final kicker to get a shot with the Commanders, head coach Dan Quinn indicated that the opportunity is there for him to seize.
“It’s also moments like this that guys get their opportunity and when they do, a lot of times, people have been waiting for that shot, that moment,” Quinn told ESPN’s John Keim.
Commanders Left Reeling After McManus Scandal
McManus was released just days after being accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by two women regarding his alleged actions on a flight to London last year while he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Commanders had signed McManus to a one-year, $3.6 million contract on March 14, and he was their only kicker at the time of his release.
In 2023, playing for the Jaguars on a one-year, $2 million contract, McManus made 30 of 37 field-goal attempts and all 35 of his extra point attempts.
According to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, McManus was accused of “rubbing himself against the women and grinding against them” on the flight. The women, identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, are seeking over $1 million and demanding a jury trial.
Quinn, Commanders Unaware of Accusations
Quinn told ESPN’s Keim that neither he nor the organization was aware of the accusations against McManus until last week.
“Quinn said he first learned of the allegations on May 27,” Keim wrote. “He declined to comment further on McManus because the situation remains ‘under investigation.’ Quinn said he discussed with his players the need to communicate situations the team needs to be aware of because ‘that kind of communication allows you to come up with some solutions,’ though he said that wasn’t specific to McManus’ situation.”
McManus has maintained his innocence since the accusations became public.
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