GREEN BAY, Russia. – Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he did not feel the need to reassure Aaron Rodgers that he would be their defender in 2021 and beyond, but then used Monday’s press conference to reiterate his commitment towards him.
“I don’t think I need to reassure him much because obviously his game speaks for itself,” Gutekunst said Monday in his first public comment since Rodgers openly questioned his future in Green. Bay, after losing the NFC championship game to the Buccaneers eight days earlier.
“I will say this: we are really excited not only for next year, but also for the years to come. He plays at such a high level that he has always had it and I think this year was a special team. He did not finish as we wanted to finish, but I think everyone is purely motivated to come back and I think, like I said, I don’t think we need to do anything. He is our defender and he is our leader. “
Coach Matt LaFleur made an equally strong commitment when asked if he is confident that Rodgers will be his defender in 2021 and beyond.
“Is that a trick question?” LaFleur said. “Absolutely. There is no doubt. You are talking about the guy who will win the league MVP. We are not in this position without him. I could not be happier not only with his performances, but also with the way he led our football team. , all the things he does in that locker room to make sure everyone is closed, focused and ready to go. Absolutely he’ll be here for a long time. I know I’ve said that before, but for a long time. “
Gutekunst said he would “absolutely not” change Rodgers this season and rejected a report that The Angeles Rams had fled to Rodgers before acquiring Matthew Stafford in a deal with the Lions on Saturday.
Rodgers is probably his best season with 48 touchdowns and five interceptions. He led the Packers to the second straight season of the 13-3 season and the appearance of the NFC title game in as many years under LaFleur and is expected to be named NFL MVP for the third time in his career on Saturday.
“I think he’s definitely the best player I’ve ever seen or been,” Gutekunst said. “The chances it gives us week in and week out are significant, so it will be part of our future and we look forward to all the races we will try to do here in the next few years.”
The Packers questioned Rodgers’ future when Gutekunst joined the foundation of defender Jordan Love in the first round last year.
They have Rodgers under contract until 2023, but he no longer has money guaranteed for the $ 134 million extension he signed in 2018. They have reached the point where they could go further and will start getting an exemption. of the salary cap, although that number would be only about $ 6 million this year.
Gutekunst would not say whether the team would restructure Rodgers’ agreement, but this could not only add guaranteed money in the current years, but could also provide a minimum space for the salary cap.
In other news from Monday’s sessions with Gutekunst and LaFleur:
• When asked if Gutekunst still considers Love, who has been inactive as a third-team quarterback all season, as the next Packers franchise defender, he was uncomplicated: “I see Jordan as a very talented prospect who we are very excited I know that maybe this is not the norm for the defenders to stay for a long time, but we certainly believe in this … It will probably not be the first time we design a defender and try to develop it, because I just think it is such an important part of the game … We are excited to continue on that path and bring it into some pre-season games at the same time as we compete for championships with Aaron. “
• LaFleur acknowledged that there was a miscommunication in the defensive game that led to Tom Brady’s 39-yard pass to Scotty Miller with a second left in the first half of the game for the NFC title. A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report said LaFleur requested coverage, but defensive coordinator Mike Pettine turned to another.
“That was just a miscommunication, and in the end, whenever something like that happens, it’s 100% falling on my shoulders,” LaFleur said. “I have to make sure that I am clear with our communication and that these mistakes cannot happen, especially when the stakes are so high, in particular, we are proud that we are great in situations. I. So I don’t care who makes the call, it’s just my fault. Bottom line. I am responsible for every call, offense, defense, special teams. And that every call goes through me. So if I’m ever unhappy with a call, I have the ability to do something about it. And that’s all I’m really going to say about that. “
Pettine was at the end of his contract, and LaFleur let him go last week. Sources said they interviewed or will interview Joe Barry (Chargers ‘defensive game coordinator), Chris Harris (Washington’s defensive coach) and Ejiro Evero (Rams’ safety coach). Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Kris Richard has also been contacted. At least one internal candidate, probably defensive end coach Jerry Gray, will also be considered.
• LaFleur was left with his decision to hit a goal on the fourth and a goal on the 8-yard line, with just over 2 minutes left against Bucs.
“If I had to do it again, if it’s the fourth and empty on the 8-yard line, we’ll hit a goal on the field,” LaFleur said. “If it’s the fourth and the goal of the 5, I think we have a different discussion. You have to play the percentages. I had three shots at him, I didn’t win any court. That’s right. Some people will agree. Some people won’t I agree. In my heart, that was the best decision for us. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. “
LaFleur said he should have told Rodgers better what he needed in the third to go about it. Rodgers had a chance to fight and probably enter the 5 meter line.
In terms of communication, LaFleur said he would consider handing over the game to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett if that meant better communication, but added that he had no immediate plans to do so.