Packers: Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst get deserved new deals

Green Bay Packers fans all over should be excited about the news that broke on Monday.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, general manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur, and director of football operations Russ Ball all received contract extensions this offseason.

Demovsky noted that team president Mark Murphy also said he is “confident Mark and Brian and Russ Ball will continue to be Packers’ employees for years to come.”

Ever since LaFleur joined the Packers in 2019, Green Bay has gone 41-13, including playoffs. They have won the NFC North each of the last three seasons and made two NFC Championship Game appearances.

Gutekunst took over in 2018 at the end of the Mike McCarthy era. In his four seasons at the helm, Gutekunst has drafted the likes of Jaire Alexander (All-Pro), Rashan Gary (DPOY candidate), A.J. Dillon (led Packers in rushing in 2021), and Elgton Jenkins (Pro Bowler).

He has signed the likes of Preston Smith, Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, Adrian Amos, and De’Vondre Campbell. He helped Green Bay find its winning ways again.

Russ Ball wears a number of different hats. He has been an absolute master with the salary cap. He has kept the Packers afloat so that they can sign and keep impactful players. He is one of the best executives in the league that doesn’t get enough credit.

The Green Bay Packers clearly would not be where they are today without those three guys. Looking at 2022, this team is in prime position for a Super Bowl run.

They have their quarterback. They have their running backs. They have their elite defense. They have their improved special teams.

Most importantly, they have LaFleur, Gutekunst, and Ball guiding the ship into the future. That should make Green Bay Packers fans very excited about what is in store for the franchise down the road.