Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke for 30 minutes with reporters on Friday at Lambeau Field.
Here are the highlights from Gutekunst’s season-ending press conference:
– The Packers will use the next few weeks to map a plan for free agency and the offseason. In terms of players with expiring contracts, Gutekunst echoed Ted Thompson when said he’d like to “keep them all,” even if it’s probably not possible. Praised contributions from veterans Bryan Bulaga, Tramon Williams and Mason Crosby.
– The Packers will have a “little more restriction” financially this offseason as compared to last offseason, especially if the team brings back most of its in-house free agents. He’s confident they’ll still have opportunities to add help. “We’re pretty sound financially right now,” Gutekunst said.
– Disappointed in the result in the NFC title game but “excited about where we’re headed and the foundation we laid.”
– Gutekunst on Bryan Bulaga: “Bryan is a really good player.” Bulaga played in 17 of 18 games in 2019. “Of course we’d love to have a guy like Bryan Bulaga back, but we’re still getting through all of that.”
– Gutekunst praised Allen Lazard for stepping up this season but confirmed the Packers will add help at receiver this offseason: “I think that’ll be a position we look to add.”
– He credited “good fortune” for the Packers avoiding injuries but also praised the training staff and coach Matt LaFleur for keeping everyone healthy.
– On Aaron Rodgers in 2019: “I think Aaron had a really, really good year.” Credited the veteran quarterback for adapting to a new system and said he’s still playing at an “elite level.”
– Gutekunst wouldn’t rule out adding a quarterback. “I was raised by Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson.” Said he’d never pass up drafting a starting-level quarterback.
– More on Rodgers: “I’m really excited to see what he can do in Year 2. I know Matt talks a lot about what Matt Ryan did in Year 2, the comparatives there. I’m really excited to see where him and the offense can go.”
– Gutekunst said it’s “important” to get a new deal done with Kenny Clark this offseason. “I’m optimistic we’ll be able to come to an agreement at some point.” Said the idea was always to get a deal done this offseason.
– The Packers want Mason Crosby back. “Mason had a fantastic year this year, one of his best.” Said his leg strength, power and accuracy are still there. He’s confident he’ll be a good kicker for a long time. “We’d certainly love to have him back.”
– Gutekunst said personnel executives Jon-Eric Sullivan and Matt Malaspina believe it’s a “strong receiver class.”
– Gutekunst is still confident in the 2018 draft class. Injuries and lack of opportunities have hurt some of the players. Mentioned injuries for Oren Burks and a lack of opportunities for Josh Jackson, who “really came on” at the end of this year.
– Gutekunst on Rashan Gary: “I thought he contributed quite a bit.” Sees his skill set and future role as similar to Za’Darius Smith. Liked his explosiveness off the edge and ability to affect the passer. “He’s growing into it.”
– On linebacker: “We’re going to have to take a long look at the inside linebacker group and make sure we’re squared away there.”
– On defensive line: “I really do like our defensive line group.” Likes Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster. Excited for Montravius Adams and Kinglsey Keke in 2020. Said he wouldn’t pass on adding a talented player along the line.
– On playing inside linebacker: “Difficult” position to play in today’s NFL. He said speed is “no doubt” a necessity at the position.
– The excitement level is high for Jace Sternberger. “Really excited about Jace.” The rookie tight end had an injury early and needed to learn/develop in his first season. Gutekunst said Sternberger made a bunch of big plays late in the year at practice and showed great flexibility. “He can be one of those guys, as he develops, he can play from different places and be a matchup problem.”
– Gutekunst hasn’t talked with Jimmy Graham about whether or not he’ll play next season.
– Gutekunst said he wanted to add another explosive offensive player at the trade deadline. Explored options. Didn’t like the value of some of the in-season trade opportunities.
– Happy with the progression of rookie safety Darnell Savage. “He did a really nice job.” Battled through an injury and turned into a true pro. Said he’s excited for his future. “He has a bright future.”
– On Elgton Jenkins: Stepped in and the offense didn’t miss a beat. “He has a rare ability in terms of his size, athleticism and power.” Said he has a chance to be as good as T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton, Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle, former great Packers guards.