Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered questions from the assembled media before the start of training camp practices on Monday.
Gutekunst touched on Kenny Clark’s new deal, contract negotiations with Jordan Love and the injury statuses of Jayden Reed, Zach Tom and Tucker Kraft.
Here are the big things to know from Gutekunst’s press conference:
— Gutekunst called Clark a “model player” to build a team around. The Packers and Clark agreed to a three-year contract extension before camp.
— Gutekunst believes a new contract could get done with quarterback Jordan Love over the next few days. Both sides “want the same thing.” Both sides want stability. “I’m optimistic. These are big deals. They take time.”
— Love won’t be practicing until he has a new deal. He’ll be taking part in everything else during camp but won’t be on the field until the new deal is done.
— Gutekunst thinks a deal is “close.” Said both sides are “working hard” to get it done.
— Gutekunst said the Packers understand Love’s side not wanting to risk injury and his decision wasn’t unexpected. “Hopefully he won’t miss too much time.:”
— Gutekunst said receiver Jayden Reed tweaked something during his recent football camp. “I don’t know if an 8-year beat him on a route or what,” he said, laughing. Reed was put on the non-football injury list to start camp. The Packers aren’t expecting him to be out long.
— Gutekunst said the Sunday Ticket decision — a potential salary cap disruptor in the future — isn’t playing a big part in negotiations with Love.
— Zach Tom will come off the PUP list and practice on Monday. Tucker Kraft “will be a little longer,” but Gutekunst believes both are “ahead of the curve” in terms of recovery from pectoral injuries.
— No rush on determining a kicker. Gutekunst said the Packers have the roster flexibility to let the three kickers compete during camp.
— Gutekunst said Kitan Oladapo is “doing well” but still has a couple of hurdles to clear before he’s ready to be on the practice field. Rookie safety is coming off a broken toe that required surgery.
— On Christian Watson: Gutekunst is confident he’s done everything he can to stay out there and avoid injury. Said he’s in elite shape. “We need him to stay out there, because we’re a different team when he’s out there.”
— Gutekunst loves the depth up front on defense. Thinks the front can come in “waves” at offenses in 2024.
— Gutekunst said decision on Eric Stokes’ fifth-year option came down to injuries, but he “looks great.” Packers are expecting a “big year” from him.
— On Kenny Clark: Elite player, elite locker room guy. Still a young player at 28. He’s “built to last.”
— On Super Bowl aspirations: “I do feel really good about this group.” Said every year is new, and will have to take on new challenges. “I like the way they work together.” Confident they won’t blink in the face of any challenges ahead.
— Gutekunst said the Packers had quarterbacks in for workouts recently to throw to receivers. He did say the team would consider bringing in a quarterback if contract negotiations with Love linger on.
— On Preston Smith: Represents so many of the things we value. Attitude, leadership, and he can still really play. “He’s still hard to handle for tackles. He’s a major part of our football team.”