Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Speaks-But Offers Few Answers After Late-Season Collapse
The Green Bay Packers’ season didn’t just end-it unraveled. A team that once stood tall at 9-3-1 stumbled through five straight losses, capped by a gut-wrenching playoff defeat to the rival Chicago Bears.
So when General Manager Brian Gutekunst stepped to the podium this week for his first public comments since the collapse, fans were hoping for clarity. What they got instead was... well, not much.
That’s not entirely surprising. Gutekunst has never been one to tip his hand in February.
This is the same GM who, just two years ago, publicly praised Aaron Jones as the “heartbeat of our team”-only to cut him weeks later after signing Josh Jacobs. The fanbase barely had time to imagine a thunder-and-lightning backfield before Jones was out the door and headed to Minnesota.
So when Gutekunst says he hasn’t made any decisions yet, it’s worth remembering: with him, the quiet often speaks volumes.
This time around, the uncertainty centers on players like cornerback Nate Hobbs and guard Aaron Banks. Both were big-money signings last offseason.
Both struggled-partly due to injuries, partly due to performance. And yet, when asked about their futures, Gutekunst kept things vague: “I don’t think we’ve made any decisions on anybody yet.”
That line could’ve been pulled straight from the Aaron Jones playbook. And it wasn’t just Hobbs and Banks who got the benefit of the doubt. Gutekunst also expressed confidence in edge rusher Rashan Gary and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia-two figures who’ve faced heavy scrutiny.
Gary, in particular, is a lightning rod right now. After signing a four-year, $96 million extension, the expectation was that he’d anchor the pass rush.
Early in the season, he looked the part. Gutekunst pointed to Gary’s 60-plus pressures and 7.5 sacks as evidence of solid production.
But anyone who watched the games knows the story changed in the second half. Gary vanished down the stretch, and with his cap hit set to jump to $28 million in 2026, the Packers have a decision to make.
Meanwhile, Micah Parsons-Gary’s running mate on the edge-led the team with 12.5 sacks before an injury ended his season in Week 15. One of the more telling images of the year?
Parsons chasing down Bo Nix while Gary trailed behind. Not exactly the visual you want from your $96 million man.
So where does that leave the Packers? Gutekunst said he expects all players under contract to return, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some restructuring.
A pay cut for Gary wouldn’t be shocking, especially with young pass rushers waiting in the wings and Lukas Van Ness expected back. The team needs to develop its future, not overpay for inconsistency.
As for Bisaccia, many assumed he’d be gone by now. His special teams units have underwhelmed since he took over, and yet, he remains.
Gutekunst’s loyalty here is notable, but it’s also risky. In a league where special teams can swing close games-and seasons-continued mediocrity in that phase is a problem.
Ultimately, Gutekunst’s press conference was less about answers and more about tone. He acknowledged the collective failure: “It’s all of us, right?
It’s players, it’s coaches, it’s everybody,” he said. “In certain football situations, we have to be better, and we have to be more consistent.”
He spoke about evaluating whether the team has the right people in place and whether they’re being put in the best position to succeed. It’s the kind of organizational introspection that fans want to hear-but it’s also the kind that demands follow-through.
Right now, though, it’s all talk. No roster moves, no coaching changes, no sweeping declarations. Just a GM standing at the mic in early February, saying a lot without saying much at all.
For Packers fans, it’s a frustrating place to be. The team showed real promise early in 2025, only to flame out spectacularly.
The offseason is here, and with it comes the expectation of change. But if this week’s presser is any indication, Gutekunst is playing things close to the vest-for now.
And that means the waiting game continues in Green Bay.