Jayden Reed trade and 9 other genius Packers moves Brian Gutekunst got right
Brian Gutekunst has established himself as one of the league's most consistent and successful general managers. He continues to build competitive Green Bay Packers rosters and has overseen a quick turnaround from the Aaron Rodgers era.
There have been mistakes along the way, including the handling of Davante Adams' final year in Green Bay, which led to his departure, but Gutekunst deserves credit for how he made up for that. Not only did the Packers land two premium picks for Adams, but Gutekunst rebuilt the receiving corps in only two draft classes.
Gutekunst's Packers have maintained many philosophies passed down from Ron Wolf to Ted Thompson, including prioritizing draft picks over big free agency spending.
Like Thompson, Gutekunst drafted a quarterback in the first round when they already had a Hall-of-Famer leading the offense. Also like his predecessor, it looks like Gutekunst hit a home run.
During his seven offseasons as Packers general manager, what are Gutekunst's greatest decisions?
10. Overhauling Packers' tight end room in one offseason
The Packers desperately needed change at tight end following the 2022 season. As Aaron Rodgers passed the torch to Jordan Love, there must've been the temptation to surround an inexperienced quarterback with veteran tight ends. Gutekunst did the opposite, allowing Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis to walk in free agency.
It was a roll of the dice, but the Packers' decision to dive into a deep tight end rookie class has paid off beautifully, selecting Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Both players have demonstrated the talent and potential to become game-changers in Matt LaFleur's offense.
Musgrave adds the speed and athleticism the Packers haven't had at tight end in years. He has unlimited potential as a big-time pass-catcher in the middle of the field. Kraft's development as a blocker was impressive to see throughout the year, and he offers incredible yards-after-catch ability with the ball in his hands. In one offseason, the Packers landed arguably the most exciting tight end duo in the league.
9. Signing De'Vondre Campbell for nothing in 2021
We live in a world where Green Bay prioritizes the linebacker position, having used three top-100 picks in the past three drafts. That wasn't always the case. Back in 2021, the Packers needed some veteran leadership in the middle of the defense and signed De'Vondre Campbell to a one-year, $2 million deal.
Campbell became a first-team All-Pro that season, with 146 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions, and would start 40 games for Green Bay across three years.