Packers GM receives high praise in latest power rankings
The Green Bay Packers have taken a unique path to addressing its roster for the 2023 season. General manager Brian Gutekunst hasn’t been a big spender in free agency. The Packers extended Elgton Jenkins back in December and managed to keep a few talented special teamers in the building, most notably All-Pro return specialist Keisean […]
The Green Bay Packers have taken a unique path to addressing its roster for the 2023 season.
General manager Brian Gutekunst hasn’t been a big spender in free agency. The Packers extended Elgton Jenkins back in December and managed to keep a few talented special teamers in the building, most notably All-Pro return specialist Keisean Nixon.
It’s difficult to properly grade Gutekunst’s performance with an Aaron Rodgers trade currently in the work. That being said, the Packers were recently listed as one of the NFL’s best when it comes to first-round picks in recent years.
Since he took over in 2018, Gutekunst has excelled in roster building, though football’s ultimate prize has eluded him.
NFL.com recently released an article ranking the NFL’s best general managers. Gutekunst checked in at No. 7 on the list.
From NFL.com: This ranking feels incomplete, given that the terms of the expected Aaron Rodgers trade are not yet known, but "Gutey" is moving on from Rodgers at the right time. I believe that the Packers think Jordan Love is ready. He wasn't last year. We'll find out if Gutekunst is right — and that will help determine Gutekunst's legacy in Green Bay more than his above-average drafts (Christian Watson!), savvy targeted free-agent pickups and mostly smart re-signings. (The extension Green Bay gave Elgton Jenkins in December already looks like a steal.) It's worth noting that the Packers have given out fewer guarantees in free agency than any NFL team this offseason, which probably won't make Love's job any easier.
Whether or not Gutekunst’s tenure in Green Bay will ultimately be judged as a success will be determined in life after Aaron Rodgers. If he is able to surround Love with adequate weapons and continue to cash in during the draft, the Packers will be in a position to succeed for years to come.
