Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst took questions for about 16 minutes after Tuesday’s NFL deadline.
The Packers made just one move: they traded defensive end Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick.
Here are highlights from Gutekunst’s press conference after the deadline:
— Gutekunst thanked Preston Smith. “He did a lot of good things for us… let’s wish him all the best to continue to improve.”
— He said he’s “excited” to see more snaps from Arron Mosby and Brenton Cox Jr. He expects the teenage edge rushers to improve their skills in the second half of the season. “I’m excited to see what they do in the second half.”
— He said rookie MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) will come off injured reserve soon and could take Smith’s spot in the lineup. The Packers have until next Saturday to fill a roster spot.
— He is not surprised by the adjustment period for the defensive front in the recent scheme and believes that a “breakthrough” is coming.
— Packers assumed the trade deadline would be “quiet,” and it was. I didn’t think there would be many opportunities to sign “significant” players. “There weren’t many available this year.”
— He said the Packers had no intention of trading Preston Smith but wanted to give more opportunities to younger players. Similar to Rasul Douglas last year at the linebacker position.
— He said rookie Javon Bullard has done a “great job” this year playing in the slot and at safety. “Really happy” with Keisean Nixon’s performance so far as an outside cornerback.
— On Edgerrin Cooper: He missed time in training camp, but had “dynamic games” as a rookie. He called him a “natural quarterback.”
— He said he’s not too concerned about Jordan Love’s interceptions, but he admits he needs to do a better job of protecting the ball in the second half of the season.
— On Brandon McManus: “Veteran, professional. I don’t think he was upset at all… that’s why we made this move.
— Defensively: “We need more from this whole group of guys and I think we’re going to get it… I like this group, I like the way they work.”
— So far on the Packers: “We’re 6-3, I think we’re in a good place and I can’t wait to see these guys come together and develop.” He said the Packers need more consistency and better situational play. “We’re working on it.”
