Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst fielded questions for 17 minutes and provided answers on a variety of topics – including the looming trade of Aaron Rodgers – on Monday.
Here are the things to know from Gutekunst’s availability at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix:
– Gutekunst said the Packers attempted to reach Aaron Rodgers “many times” for follow-up conservations but could not reach the quarterback. “At that point, I had to do my job.”
– Gutekunt said he was “really looking forward” to conversations with Rodgers to see how he fit with the Packers moving forward, but the conversations “never transpired.”
– Rodgers’ representatives, not Rodgers, informed Gutekunst that he wanted a trade to the Jets.
– On multiple occasions, Gutekunst said it “would have been nice” to have the conversations directly with Rodgers.
– Gutekunst said he’s expecting Jordan Love to be his quarterback in 2023. “We’re excited about that.”
– The Packers and Jets have had “a lot of good discussions” with the Jets on a trade. Gutekunst already spoke with Joe Douglas in Phoenix, and the two parties have been in contact for a couple of weeks already.
– Gutekunst said a first-round pick in the trade isn’t a necessity but he understands the value of the player and wants premier picks or players back from the Jets.
– Gutekunst said “everything changes” if trade talks go beyond the 2023 draft.
– How long is he willing to hold out on trade talks? “As long as it takes.”
– “It has to work for both parties and we’re both fully committed to figuring it out.” Gutekunst said the ball is in the Jets’ court right now.
– Gutekunst said there were “loose conversations” with other teams but it’s only been the Jets since Rodgers informed the world of his intention to play for the Jets.
– Gutekunst pointed to Jordan Love’s “even-keeled demeanor” and professionalism during his three seasons and this offseason as big reasons for why he’s ready for this opportunity. “His everyday approach…it’s been a steady progression since he got here.” Mentioned a big third-year leap. “It’s just time for him to play.”
– Gutekunst isn’t sure if the Packers will exercise the fifth-year option on Love.
– Gutekunst said it would be “nice” to have a backup quarterback with experience but the Packers will look at all sorts of options for the No. 2 spot behind Love.
– Gutekunst admitted trading Rodgers and incurring a dead salary cap hit has limited the Packers this offseason, but he’s confident the team can find value on veteran free agents this summer.
– Gutekunst said going through adversity will be an important part of Love’s development in 2023.
– On the 2023 draft class “I like the depth of this draft. We have 10 picks right now. We really have a chance to help our football team.”
– Gutekunst said there are a few positions with great depth in the draft class that actually line up well with the team’s needs.
– On Keisean Nixon: “He’s going to see a lot more time in the nickel this year.”
– Gutekunst didn’t close the door on returning Mason Crosby but admitted there are cap hurdles. Said the Packers’ kicker in 2023 is to be determined.
– Gutekunst is hopeful David Bakhtiari is through the worst of his injury issues. Called him an “impactful” player when healthy. The Packers are confident he found a nice “groove” last season.
– Gutekunst said he likes Tyler Davis and Josiah Deguara but also admitted this is a good and deep draft class at tight end.
– “As a football team, we’re excited for what the future can bring.”
– On the Rodgers trade: “I think it’s trending in the right direction for what everybody wants and we can conclude this whole thing…Right now, we’re focused on facilitating a trade that the player and the Jets and what we want, that would be best for everybody.”
