Highlights of Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Zoom Videoconference 8-2-2020
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst held a zoom conference call with reporters today.
By JerseyAl
Devin Funchess is the only Packers player that has chosen to opt out of the 2020 season.
The opt-out decision by Funchess did not create more urgency to look to add to that specific position more than any other.
Some of the health and safety procedures the Packers have have adopted will remain a fixture beyond the end of the pandemic.
The Packers have decided go with split-squad practices to allow their roster to stay at a maximum of 90 players during camp.
He expressed great respect for Packers free agent Tramon Williams, but wouldn't commit either way to the possibility of bringing him back.
Brian also expressed confidence in his backup options at offensive tackle, mentioning Alex Light, Yosh Nijman and the option of kicking Billy Turner out to tackle if needed.
About TE Jace Sternberger, Brian said the Packers are "depending on Jace to be a big part of what we're doing this season."
Brian hinted at having to make some "tough choices" going into next season's free agency with the salary cap tentatively set at a minimum of $175M.
The Packers really liked the multi-faceted Jon Lovett coming out of the 2019 draft, but the Chiefs beat them out to sign him as an UDFA.
As for players behavior regarding Covid-19, Gutekunst said players are going to be counted on to make the right choices when they leave Lambeau and will have a hard time dealing with their teammates if they don't.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
__________________________
Comments (6)
splitpea1
August 02, 2020 at 11:05 am
Maybe a little too dependent on Jace; we don't have any replacement options if he gets injured again. No Funchess, either, but there are options if the Packers are willing to look around and maybe take a chance.
dobber
August 02, 2020 at 11:08 am
"As for players behavior regarding Covid-19, Gutekunst sais players are going to be counted on to make the right choices when they leave Lambeau and will have a hard time dealing with their teammates if they don't."
It seems that player-player accountability was a big driver for this team in 2019, and a major turnaround from the divisive locker rooms of the previous couple years. I would argue all the really good teams have a strong undercurrent of player accountability. Hopefully it will be a strong enough factor to help this team avoid too many incidences of the bug.
"Some of the health and safety procedures the Packers have have adopted will remain a fixture beyond the end of the pandemic."
This will be true in most aspects of our society.
CheesyTex
August 02, 2020 at 11:25 am
Good to see him put the spotlight on Light, Nijman, and Turner. How they play this year will be one of the top considerations in determining his plan to address the "tough choices" for the 2021 season.
JQ
August 02, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Thanks Al, for the highlights. It’s quite refreshing to hear the Gutekunst insights about the present and future.
It will be fun to see how many Lovett/Deguara type players the Packers keep on the active roster. It seems like Sternberger will be focusing on a more “traditional” TE role this year.
stockholder
August 02, 2020 at 02:51 pm
I wish I could be as Confident as Brian. The Tough choices were a warning. I hope his last words won't be in the loss column.
Roadrunner23
August 02, 2020 at 04:21 pm
I really like Brian Gutekunst as a GM, he shoots strait and I trust his ability to build a team.