Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered questions from the media for roughly 25 minutes at the 2024 NFL league meeting on Monday in Orlando.
Here are the big things to know from Gutekunst’s appearance:
— On releasing Aaron Jones: “Really tough. The business of football never stops.” Confirmed the team asked Jones to take a pay cut. Believed releasing him and signing Josh Jacobs was in the best interest of the team.
— On Josh Jacobs: “Proven back, runs with a lot of violence, big back, durable back.” Believes Jacobs can “flourish” as a runner, blocker and receiver. “Really excited to have the player and the person added to our football team.”
— On Xavier McKinney: “Unique player to come available.” Said McKinney fits the “criteria” of what the Packers want in a free agent. Young, difference maker, leader…the Packers thought highly of him coming out of Alabama.
— Veteran safety or draft pick? Said Packers would prefer a younger guy but they will look at “all options,” including the free agent market following the draft.
— On safety class: “It’s a pretty good safety class this year.”
— No blame for Aaron Jones not accepting pay cut: “He’s always done right by us.” Situation just didn’t work out.
— Any consideration to keeping Aaron Jones and Josh Jacobs: Packers discussed the idea, but Gutekunst didn’t like the cap ramifications on the cap in 2025.
— On bringing back Keisean Nixon in Jeff Hafley’s defense: “He’s very excited to have him back.” Gutekunst’s likes having stability and versatility in the nickel spot. Nixon returned on three-year deal. Expects adding competition there but also anticipates Nixon being starter again.
— Gutekunst said he’d like to have the kickoff return to the game.
— On extension for Jordan Love: Had “preliminary discussions” on a new deal but expecting it to take “some time.”
— On linebacker position: “I feel really good about Isaiah (McDuffie).” Feels better now that Eric Wilson and Kristian Welch are back, still expecting to add to linebacker via free agency and the draft. Believes linebacker positions in 4-3 are interchangeable.
— On Brenton Cox: He “flashed” during training camp and has a “bright future.” Opportunity at edge rusher with JJ Enagbare coming back from injury.
— On Sean Rhyan: “He really grew a lot from Year 1 to Year 2.” Capitalized on opportunities at right guard last year. Best football is ahead of him. Experience gained should help Packers there entering 2024.
— Will go Packers go lighter at edge in the 4-3? “I prefer bigger guys on the edge.” Would rule out going lighter. “Depends on the player.” Said he doesn’t want to “get small” in the defensive front.
— On A.J. Dillon: Was a little unexpected to get him back, nice to use the four year player qualifying tender. “That was a nice surprise.”
— On Carrington Valentine: Played “very consistent football” as a rookie. Needs to get a little stronger. “Answered the ball” in situations last year. “I like the way the competition there is shaping up.”
— On paying a quarterback big money after one year: Had Love in the building the last four years. “We know how he is going to respond and react and work.”
On McKinney: “His next three years should be the best football he plays in our mind, and we’re excited about that.”
— On David Bakhtiari: “He did everything he possibly could do to get back out there and he’s still doing that.” Gutekunst thinks Bakhtiari could still make the Hall of Fame if he makes it back.
