Packers add German kicker Lenny Krieg to training camp competition

The Green Bay Packers added another contender to their kicking competition, signing German-born kicker Lenny Krieg ahead of the opening practice of training camp while parting ways with record-setting veteran Lucas Havrisik.

The move came after Krieg impressed during a tryout and gives Green Bay another option as it evaluates one of the most closely watched position battles on the roster entering the preseason.

New competition begins

Krieg joined a group that includes rookie Trey Smack, the club’s sixth-round draft pick, and Lucas Havrisik, who appeared in several games last season after Brandon McManus was sidelined by injury.

Instead of carrying three kickers into camp, however, the Packers released Havrisik as part of Tuesday’s roster moves. The team also waived an international edge rusher, allowing Krieg to fill the club’s international player exemption. Green Bay also signed tight end Thomas Yassmin to bolster depth while Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave remain on the physically unable to perform list.

Journey from Germany

A native of Berlin, Germany, Krieg’s path to the NFL has been anything but traditional.

After stepping away from soccer, he turned to American football at the encouragement of his brother, who had spent time in the United States. Learning much of the position by watching instructional videos, Krieg eventually earned an opportunity with the Stuttgart Surge in the European League of Football.

His performances in Europe led to an invitation to the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, prompting him to leave both school and a career in real estate to pursue professional football.

Krieg then delivered one of the standout performances at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, successfully converting all 14 of his field goal attempts.

Competition heats up

The strong showing earned Krieg a contract with the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent training camp before connecting on a 57-yard field goal during the preseason. After spending the regular season on Atlanta’s practice squad, he signed a futures contract with the New York Jets before being released in June.

Now, he gets another opportunity with the Packers. Through the opening two days of training camp, the kicking battle remains in its early stages as Green Bay evaluates Krieg alongside rookie Trey Smack. Most of the attention has centered on other position battles, leaving the kicking competition largely out of the spotlight, but every practice and every kick will carry added importance as the preseason approaches.

For the Packers, adding Krieg provides another intriguing option at a critical position while giving the coaching staff an extended look at one of the NFL’s most promising international prospects. As training camp progresses and preseason games begin, the competition between Krieg and Smack should become one of the more closely watched position battles on the roster.