The Green Bay Packers’ new general manager made it clear during his introductory press conference that he would not be Ted Thompson.
Brian Gutekunst, who came in under Ron Wolf, will build the Green Bay Packers through all areas of player acquisition.
“I’ll lead in my own personality, probably a little bit more aggressive in certain areas,” Gutekunst said. “We’re not going to leave any stone unturned in every avenue of player acquisition.”
And…
“Our foundation is going to be the draft, but [free agency] is an absolute must as an accessory piece,” Gutekunst said. “We’re not going to be able to sign every player, [but] we want to be in the know of everything that’s going on. We have to be prepared to pull the trigger.”
Well… Hallelujah!
Finally, a general manager who is more than just a glorified college scouting director!
It isn’t a huge surprise to hear Gutekunst say such things. First, Ron Wolf brought him to the Packers. Ron Wolf used every possible method to improve his team. Second, Gutekunst is cool with coach Mike McCarthy. It has become known that McCarthy has tired of Ted Thompson’s draft-and-develop philosophy.
That’s why former director of player finance and new director of football operations Russ Ball didn’t get the GM job. He was supposedly team president Mark Murphy’s choice, but then both McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers voiced their displeasure.
Ball was largely anti-free agency much like Thompson, based on everything we’ve heard.
So here we go. This has already been an eventful offseason.
Hopefully, it becomes more eventful.
He could be just saying that to get early brownie point with packers fans. I also hope he doesn’t get too crazy dips into free agency too much. He needs still focus on the draft and build through it
What they need, is to hit better on draft picks…..and these were the senior guys in charge, besides ol Teddy. so….take it for what it’s worth i guess.
Agreed. I wonder how much Ted took their (Brian and Eliot) advice on players? Something we will never know. I think we are skeptical of BG, and rightfully so. Unfortunately we don’t really have a choice but to trust the move and hope for the best. It has to work out or we don’t win a super bowl again in the foreseeable future.
Everyone says the right things at the beginning, dont they? I’m not saying Gutekunst will or won’t do a good job, i’m just sayin.