Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on Jordan Love, new players, state of team

On November 8, 2024By Littum

GREEN BAY – At the end of the NFL trade deadline, Green Bay Packers daily manager Brian Gutekunst met with the media to discuss the current state of the team and the new pieces that have contributed.

The Packers traded veteran defensive lineman Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 seventh-round pick.

Here are some players Gutekunst talked about.

Jordan love

“He’s had a little bit of downtime, missing some time and working through injuries. He’s relentless. He’s the same guy every day. His focus is really, really good. Our offense has been very explosive at times because of him. I think as a football team we are working into a complete team and a team that can win situational football. We are not there yet, but I feel he has played very well.”

Malik Willis

“We didn’t expect him to be pressed into service as quickly as we did and you really have to give credit to Malik and our coaching staff for the great job they did in getting him ready, putting a game plan around him that really suited him. We knew the player, the skill set and really liked the winning part of it. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him. He’s a great guy and fits in really well , we want here.”

On defensive backs

“Those guys have done a great job this year. I think (Javon Bullard) for a rookie has done an outstanding job being put in the nickel. The ability for him to play safety and nickel and what’s put on that guy, for a young guy to do what he’s done is really exciting. What he’s done already and where he’s going.

“Keisean (Nixon) hasn’t played a ton of outside corner for us and was put in that position. He has done a really good job for us. He has excellent instincts. He can take the ball away. I’ve also been really happy for him out there.”

Free-agent acquisitions Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs

“Not surprised (by the production). Those guys were proven players in the league. Again, there’s a new environment coming in, sometimes it can take a little time. Kudos to those guys for being able to contribute, how they’ve done it so quickly. I think, for me, the production they’ve done for us, but also how they fit into the locker room as leaders. They’ve helped strengthen our culture.”

What he saw in Xavier McKinney

“It always starts with our process in college and watching him through that time. We were definitely very excited for him during that time and seeing him in New York. We played (the Giants) last year — had a chance to see him up close on and how he prepared in the pregame and the things he did. Takes it very seriously and keeps his body in good shape. He’s just a pro. Interceptions can be streaky think he is a guy where the opportunity presented itself, he had the ability to take the ball away.”

Edgerrin Cooper

“He had a bit of a setback (with injuries) in training camp, which for a young player is tough when you miss so much time on the field. Just like he was in college, when you put him on the court, he makes dynamic plays. He’s still working through the details and intricacies of our defense, but when he’s out there, you feel him. He certainly brings an element of speed and is a natural playmaker. I’m excited for him, where he can go and I think there’s a lot of really good football ahead of him.”

Tucker Kraft

“He’s a very rare athlete. Very smart. We knew he could do a lot of things. Did I expect him to take short snaps? No. If any of our scouts claim they knew, let me know that. I’ve read all the reports and I didn’t see anything about a quarterback. At the same time, he continues to grow and Matt continues to expand his role because of what he’s been able to do.”

Brandon McManus

“A veteran guy. A pro. He’s been in every situation, so I don’t think he’ll be confused at all. Coming in and after the first game, of course, it came to one (game-winning kick), and then two in a row. That’s why we made the move. Certainly when he talks to (special teams coach) Rich (Bisaccia), he knows how he wants it done, and he’s done it for a long time, I think. “

What he wants to see from the team after the bye week

“More consistency and maybe a little bit better in situational football. I think for a team to win championships and go deep in the playoffs, you have to be able to do that. We’re working towards it and I think these guys have had really good moments, but you have to be consistent with it and call for it when you need to.”