Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Talks 2025 Reflections, Offseason Outlook, and the Road Ahead
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stepped to the podium today for the first time since the Micah Parsons trade press conference, offering a wide-ranging look at where the franchise stands after the 2025 season and what lies ahead in a pivotal 2026 offseason. From postseason frustrations to draft prep and roster evaluations, Gutekunst didn’t shy away from the big topics.
Let’s break down the key takeaways from his session with the media - and what they tell us about where the Packers are headed.
Reflections on 2025: A Season of Highs, Lows, and Missed Chances
Gutekunst didn’t sugarcoat the disappointment of how the 2025 season ended. The Packers finished 9-3-1 in the regular season but fell short in the postseason with a loss to the Chicago Bears - a game Gutekunst summed up simply: “When you get into situations like that, you expect to win the game.”
That line says it all. The expectation in Green Bay isn’t just to make the playoffs - it’s to win when it matters.
And while the GM expressed pride in the team’s growth and flashes of high-level play, he acknowledged that the consistency wasn’t there. Championship-caliber moments?
Yes. Sustained championship-level execution?
Not quite.
“We don’t run from those expectations ever,” Gutekunst said, reflecting on his previous comments about being aggressive in chasing a title. “I thought we had moments [of playing] at a very, very high level... but it wasn’t consistent enough.”
That inconsistency is clearly a focal point heading into 2026.
Special Teams: Trust in Bisaccia, Despite a Rough Finish
Special teams have long been a point of contention in Green Bay, but Gutekunst made it clear that he believes the unit is trending in the right direction - and that coordinator Rich Bisaccia remains firmly in his corner.
“We’ve gotten a lot better,” Gutekunst said. “I have a lot of faith in Rich and what we’re doing there.”
That faith was tested in the postseason, when kicker Brandon McManus - who had made 32 straight kicks entering the game - missed multiple attempts. Still, Gutekunst chalked it up to an anomaly rather than a systemic issue.
He also pointed to the team’s coverage units, which ranked among the league’s best on both punts and kickoffs. That’s no small feat in today’s NFL, where return game explosiveness can shift momentum in a heartbeat. While Green Bay hasn’t leaned heavily into return specialists, their coverage prowess has been a quiet strength.
Despite Gutekunst’s claim that the team has brought in more special teams-focused players in recent years, the core contributors on special teams still hold roles on offense or defense - a sign that the team prioritizes versatility. That’s in line with the Packers’ long-standing philosophy: if you’re going to be on the 53-man roster, you’d better contribute in more than one phase of the game.
Draft Prep Underway, But Defensive Identity Still Taking Shape
Looking ahead, Gutekunst revealed that the team’s scouts are flying back to Green Bay this week, with draft meetings set to begin immediately. But while the front office gears up for the draft, the defensive blueprint under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon remains fluid.
Gutekunst admitted that even Gannon might not yet know whether the defense will be built around a 4-3 or 3-4 base. That kind of flexibility could be a strength - or a challenge - depending on how quickly Gannon can align scheme with personnel.
“The defense will evolve as he gets to know our team,” Gutekunst said.
That evolution could influence how the Packers approach both free agency and the draft. Gutekunst noted that the team has the cap flexibility to make moves in the market but hinted that additions will likely be strategic rather than splashy. There are also internal extensions to consider, which could shape how aggressive the team is externally.
Roster Notes: Who’s Staying, Who’s Competing, and Who’s on the Bubble
When it comes to the current roster, Gutekunst offered a flurry of updates - some expected, some telling.
- Jordan Love: No surgery needed after the season. That’s a major relief for a franchise that’s clearly building around him.
- Zach Tom: The right tackle’s injury isn’t expected to impact his availability for 2026.
Another crucial piece for the offensive line.
- Josh Jacobs: Called a “warrior” with “a lot of good years left.” That’s a strong endorsement for the veteran back, who battled through another physical season.
- Matthew Golden: The rookie wideout earned praise for doing an “excellent job” in 2025.
That’s a promising sign for a young receiving corps that continues to grow around Love.
On the defensive side, Gutekunst expects Rashan Gary, Aaron Banks, and Nate Hobbs - all under contract - to be back in 2026. He also highlighted Carrington Valentine for stepping up when Hobbs was sidelined and praised Keisean Nixon for a “very, very good year.”
That last part might raise some eyebrows. Cornerback was a position many expected the Packers to overhaul this offseason, but Gutekunst doesn’t appear to be sounding the alarm there. Whether that confidence holds through free agency and the draft will be worth watching.
Meanwhile, Jordan Morgan “did enough to win” the left tackle job in camp, but injuries forced the team to pivot. That’s an open-ended situation heading into 2026 - and one that could become a hot topic in camp.
And yes, there will be a kicking competition, but Gutekunst emphasized that it’s standard operating procedure, not a reaction to McManus’ postseason misses.
Contract Talk: Extensions in Play, But No Details Yet
Gutekunst declined to get into specifics about his own extension or that of head coach Matt LaFleur, only confirming that both are multi-year deals. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to continue building toward a title.
He also confirmed that talks are underway regarding a potential extension for tight end Tucker Kraft, who’s recovering from an ACL injury. Gutekunst said the timing of a deal will depend on what works best for both sides.
QB Room Watch: Malik Willis Likely on the Move
One of the more subtle but telling moments came when Gutekunst mentioned that quarterback Malik Willis will have “a lot of opportunities” this offseason. That’s GM-speak for: he’s probably not sticking around.
With Love entrenched as the starter and the team likely to explore other developmental options, Willis appears to be the odd man out.
The Bottom Line
Brian Gutekunst’s press conference painted a picture of a team that knows it’s close - but also knows how thin the margin is between contender and also-ran. The Packers flashed moments of brilliance in 2025, but they need more consistency, more health, and more answers on both sides of the ball if they’re going to make the leap.
The offseason will be about fine-tuning, not tearing down. And as draft meetings begin and free agency looms, the Packers’ front office seems ready to walk that line - aggressive, but calculated. Confident, but not complacent.
The window is open. Now it’s about making the right moves to step through it.