A day after speaking with reporters to open training camp, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered more questions from the assembled media on Thursday morning.
Here’s what to know from the 20-minute press conference:
– Gutekunst confirmed the trade for receiver Randall Cobb and signing of offensive tackle Dennis Kelly.
– Gutekunst confirmed that Aaron Rodgers wanting Cobb back in Green Bay was a “big part” of the trade. “Without Aaron, we probably wouldn’t have pursued that.” He reiterated: “This was a very important thing for Aaron, and that’s why we did it.”
– On signing Kelly: Provides depth. Mentioned losing veterans Corey Linsley and Rick Wagner this offseason. Likes the fit with Kelly, who played for Matt LaFleur in Tennessee. “It strengthens what I already thought was a pretty strong group.”
– He’s happy with the roster. “It’s going to be hard to make our football team.”
– No regrets with the handling of exiting veterans in Green Bay. Always done with “class and dignity.” Called it a hard business. Decisions have to be made for the “team to grow.” Understands Rodgers has seen a lot of good veterans leave Green Bay.
– When asked if there are exceptions for letting a veteran go a year early than a year late, he said: “Not very often.”
– He confirmed he wasn’t aware of Rodgers’ issues until this offseason. Needs “both sides” to work through them.
– On getting Rodgers’ input: “It’s no different than it’s always been.” Said it’s about how the team incorporates the input.
– On Cobb: “Having Randall Cobb in our building is a positive.”
– He believes Matt LaFleur can find ways of fitting Cobb into the offense, even with Amari Rodgers playing a similar role. Could help the rookie. “This might actually help some of the demands put on him right away.” Confident both players can be worked into the scheme.
– “No relinquishing personnel control” from the Packers’ side. More about communication between team and Rodgers.
– Said the Packers did communicate with Corey Linsley before he left Green Bay in free agency.
– Once again, he mentioned “both sides” needing to work together for it to work.
– Chased free agents like De’Vondre Campbell and Dennis Kelly but the team didn’t have enough money early on in the process. Money changed and their markets changed.
– Expecting to address Rodgers’ contract to create more cap space in 2021. He needs to kick money out on his deal to get through the season.
– The Packers and Davante Adams have an issue with acknowledging what would make him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. “We would like to figure something out.”
– Gutekunst punted on answering a question on Rodgers asking for a trade.
– The Packers are comfortable with three quarterbacks on the roster.
– Gutekunst on mending the personal relationship with Rodgers: “It’s going to take two parties that are willing, but it’s important.”
– Why was he confident on Rodgers returning? “The pull of what we could accomplish as a football team was strong enough to get him here.”
– Gutekunst said Rodgers has three years left on his contract “at the moment” but he doesn’t feel like he’s a lame-duck quarterback.
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