5 things learned from Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst

3. The two most talked about position areas – receivers and pass rushers – will need more consistency and continued growth regardless of potential additions.

While acknowledging the offense was explosive at times and “hit some walls” later, Gutekunst downplayed the notion that acquiring a proven No. 1 wide receiver is a priority. He is focusing more on the inner group, despite the uncertainty of Christian Watson’s 2025 season due to ongoing knee surgery, which increases their matchups.

“Teams that have a target-heavy receiver generally don’t do well in the playoffs and don’t do well there,” he said. “We’re looking for the guys we have right now to take a step into that role where they’re more consistent on a top-down basis.

“If there’s somebody outside of our building, whether it’s the draft or free agency, that makes sense for us, we’ll definitely look to do that, but we’re also looking for those guys- there continues to grow and hopefully become that space.”

Inconsistency was also the biggest problem with the pass rush. It can’t be ruled out that the defense finished as a highly ranked unit in Jeff Hafley’s first season as coordinator, but the ups and downs had mostly to do with getting (or not) the quarterback .

“There were times where we kind of broke out, and then there were times where we had these lulls where we probably weren’t playing as well as we would like,” Gutekunst said.

“There was some transition to a new scheme, but I think we didn’t grow towards that cohesive front like we had hoped. But there were times where we showed it, so I know he’s capable. I think we’ve got the one guys.”

This does not, however, mean remaining standing in this position.

“With smugglers, you never have enough,” he said.

4. He’s non-committal on Jaire Alexander’s future and shared some thoughts on other pending contract decisions.

Gutekunst denied there was a “disconnect” between Alexander and the organization after another injury-interrupted season that didn’t go the way both teams hoped.

He admitted there was understandable frustration on both sides that one of the defense’s best players, whose very expensive contract still has two years remaining, has missed so many games in three of the last four seasons. This will need to be taken into account when developing plans for 2025, but he does not view Alexander’s contract as prohibitive.

“When you have a player who has done what he has done for us in the past, and then you can’t get him out on the field regularly, it’s difficult,” he said . “We’re in the early stages of gathering information as a whole before we start looking at next year and how we’re going to present this thing.”

As for pending free agents, Gutekunst expressed strong interest in returning kicker Brandon McManus after the veteran stabilized what had been a difficult situation for nearly a season and a half. He also praised season center Josh Myers and everything he fought for on and off the field to play and play well, emphasizing his leadership and the confidence QB Jordan Love has in him. He also said it appears Myers avoided a major injury during the playoff game in Philadelphia.

In early May, the Packers will have to make fifth-year option decisions on 2022 first-round picks Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt, and Gutekunst believed their third seasons were their best as pros thus far despite their minor injuries. He credited Walker for being both an influential player and leader, and Wyatt as the defense’s most consistent interior passer.

“We’re very excited about both of these guys’ seasons this year,” he said.

5. He remains optimistic about the Packers’ prospects, but cautions against complacency.

Despite exiting the playoffs a round early this year, Gutekunst feels “the same now” about the team’s bright future as he did a year ago. Coming off the disappointment of losing in the wild-card round, he saw a team that grew again, especially thanks to the defensive transition, and held on when things didn’t go well.

But the desire to go further must come from within. This cannot simply be a subject of discussion, but rather a subject of action and attitude, for a maturing team.

“What occurred to me at the end of this season is that we need to continue to intensify our sense of urgency,” Gutekunst said. “We have a bunch of good guys in this locker room, we have a bunch of talented guys in this locker room, and I think it’s time we start competing for championships, right?

“I think they’re ready. I think they’re wired well. I think this group is the type of guys that can do that. But at the end of the day, we’ve got to go for it.

“So I’m excited about the group, but the sense of urgency, without being complacent…some of these guys have now proven themselves to be NFL football players and accomplished that goal, but what What lies ahead for us as a team? Are you willing to commit and sacrifice?