Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered questions from Lambeau Field following the end of the 2024 season, which finished with a disappointing playoff loss in Philadelphia last Sunday.
Here are the important things to know from Gutekunst’s season-ending press conference:
— Gutekunst said his team hit a wall and struggled to finish the year. He did not believe experience was a factor in the finish to the season.
— Gutekunst said the Packers can afford to keep Jaire Alexander. Was tough couple of years injury wise. “When he’s healthy and ready to play, he’s a good player.”
— On Jordan Love: “We’re very, very excited about his growth. Not only as a player but as a leader in our locker room.”
— Gutekunst doesn’t think there is a disconnect between the team and Jaire Alexander.
— Gutekunst believes only Christian Watson (ACL) has an injury situation that will be a factor into 2025. Watson hasn’t had his surgery yet.
— Gutekunst said a team can never have enough pass-rushers. Every team wants to win with four pass-rushers. Said Jeff Hafley did a great job of patching over some consistency issues from the pass-rush.
— Felt very good about the pass protection from the offensive line. Thought the five starters all played well and improved. Excited to get Jordan Morgan back from injury.
— Gutekunst thinks he has the right players in the defensive front. New scheme was an adjustment. Was disappointed that the group didn’t “grow” into a more consistent group.
— “We’re in pretty good shape right now.” Gutekunst on his salary cap situation entering the offseason. “I feel really good about our ability to do what we need to do to field a championship-level team…we’re in a better situation this year than the past 2-3.”
— Gutekunst thinks the receiver group needs to take a step to get better at situational football but is confident they’ll get there.
— Gutekunst was “super fired up” about Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker in 2024. Thought both players had their best seasons as pros.
— Gutekunst liked the stability at cornerback with Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon and Javon Bullard (in the slot). Thinks they still need to add numbers at cornerback this offseason.
— Gutekunst said he wants kicker Brandon McManus back in 2025.
— Excited but bittersweet that Jon-Eric Sullivan is getting interviews for general manager jobs in the NFL. He believes Sullivan is “ready” for a general manager job.
— Gutekunst said trading top picks for veteran players must be “right.” It’s trading a young, potential-filled player on a cheap contract for a proven player on an expensive deal. Packers haven’t done it often.
— Gutekunst thought Josh Myers had his best season, handled adversity like a “champ.”
— Gutekunst wants more “urgency” moving forward.
Here’s the stream:
LIVE: GM Brian Gutekunst meets with the media 🎙️ https://t.co/ye4Kw0Ig77
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 16, 2025
