Brian Gutekunst says the Packers need to 'ramp up our sense of urgency'

[lake shark]

Addressing “urgency” would be trading a draft pick for a known commodity like a 3rd for DK Metcalf or Cooper Kupp a or a first plus for Myles Garrett. Trading up in the draft is too risky, for every Jalen Carter there is a Dallas Turner or Ricky Williams.

Trading for a so called known commodity is just as risky. Same goes for signing those high end free agents. Plus, high end player trades just don't happen in the NFL.

It comes down to getting it right with the draft, trades, or free agent signings.

I would respectfully disagree that trading for Myles Garrett is equal risk as trading up for a draft pick. The guy has 7 consecutive years of 10+ sacks. Yes there is more risk with someone like Metcalf or Cupp but that’s reflected in the lower round pick to acquire. The downside is salary but Gutey’s years of drafting a ton of young players leaves cap room for these types of players.

[Pckfn23]

Addressing “urgency” would be trading a draft pick for a known commodity like a 3rd for DK Metcalf or Cooper Kupp a or a first plus for Myles Garrett. Trading up in the draft is too risky, for every Jalen Carter there is a Dallas Turner or Ricky Williams.

Trading for a so called known commodity is just as risky. Same goes for signing those high end free agents. Plus, high end player trades just don't happen in the NFL.

It comes down to getting it right with the draft, trades, or free agent signings.

I would respectfully disagree that trading for Myles Garrett is equal risk as trading up for a draft pick. The guy has 7 consecutive years of 10+ sacks. Yes there is more risk with someone like Metcalf or Cupp but that’s reflected in the lower round pick to acquire. The downside is salary but Gutey’s years of drafting a ton of young players leaves cap room for these types of players.

High end guys like Myles Garrett just don't get traded often. That's a rare occurrence in the NFL. Teams hang onto those guys. So teams are forced to trade for guys like Metcalf or Cupp, which like I said brings risk. I am definitely not saying we shouldn't, but it should be for some low round picks. Even high end guys can be risky to trade for, see Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers as examples close to home. Maybe not as risky, but still there is substantial risk involved. It's still usually a 50/50 proposition.

[lake shark]

Trading for a so called known commodity is just as risky. Same goes for signing those high end free agents. Plus, high end player trades just don't happen in the NFL.

It comes down to getting it right with the draft, trades, or free agent signings.

I would respectfully disagree that trading for Myles Garrett is equal risk as trading up for a draft pick. The guy has 7 consecutive years of 10+ sacks. Yes there is more risk with someone like Metcalf or Cupp but that’s reflected in the lower round pick to acquire. The downside is salary but Gutey’s years of drafting a ton of young players leaves cap room for these types of players.

High end guys like Myles Garrett just don't get traded often. That's a rare occurrence in the NFL. Teams hang onto those guys. So teams are forced to trade for guys like Metcalf or Cupp, which like I said brings risk. I am definitely not saying we shouldn't, but it should be for some low round picks. Even high end guys can be risky to trade for, see Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers as examples close to home. Maybe not as risky, but still there is substantial risk involved. It's still usually a 50/50 proposition.

Valid points on trading stars and getting burned. With Garrett it might be unique as the Browns will be non-competitive for the next few years while Watson takes up $70m/year in cap and Garrett is in the later stages of his prime. Would they trade him? Who knows but it should be looked into. I guess I’m still chapped by TTs refusal to trade a 4th round pick for a 29 yr old Randy Moss (because he wanted a 1 year prove it contract and the Packers wanted more years) or trade a 2nd pick for Tony Gonzalez when we had Donald Lee as our starting TE or a 3rd round pick for Marshawn Lynch when Grant went down in 2010. Both players who later defeated us in the playoffs.

[Pckfn23]

I would respectfully disagree that trading for Myles Garrett is equal risk as trading up for a draft pick. The guy has 7 consecutive years of 10+ sacks. Yes there is more risk with someone like Metcalf or Cupp but that’s reflected in the lower round pick to acquire. The downside is salary but Gutey’s years of drafting a ton of young players leaves cap room for these types of players.

High end guys like Myles Garrett just don't get traded often. That's a rare occurrence in the NFL. Teams hang onto those guys. So teams are forced to trade for guys like Metcalf or Cupp, which like I said brings risk. I am definitely not saying we shouldn't, but it should be for some low round picks. Even high end guys can be risky to trade for, see Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers as examples close to home. Maybe not as risky, but still there is substantial risk involved. It's still usually a 50/50 proposition.

Valid points on trading stars and getting burned. With Garrett it might be unique as the Browns will be non-competitive for the next few years while Watson takes up $70m/year in cap and Garrett is in the later stages of his prime. Would they trade him? Who knows but it should be looked into. I guess I’m still chapped by TTs refusal to trade a 4th round pick for a 29 yr old Randy Moss (because he wanted a 1 year prove it contract and the Packers wanted more years) or trade a 2nd pick for Tony Gonzalez when we had Donald Lee as our starting TE or a 3rd round pick for Marshawn Lynch when Grant went down in 2010. Both players who later defeated us in the playoffs.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/444981 ... e-history/ - Moss trade
https://thepowersweep.com/blog/packers- ... 2008-trade - Gonzales non-trade

Both good reads that details those situations.

[APB]

Sounds like I was wrong with bullet #2 interpretation in my pg 1 response se to the OP.

[BF004]

With how underwhelming Gute has been in Day 1, I can actually kinda get behind going full Rams and just trading our R1 picks for players.

Anyone entering year 4 of their contract that would be a possibility?

Would be nice to at least get 1 year of rookie contract. Otherwise why not just do free agency if you are giving out a full fair market contract?

[Pckfn23]

Sounds like I was wrong with bullet #2 interpretation in my pg 1 response se to the OP.

I think the last half of that clip does agree with you. I don't think the first half goes against what you said either.

[Pugger]

I think there are a couple related thought lines going here.

1) I think Gutekunst recognizes the roster underperformed and they had some discipline issues with sloppy play. The message is these guys are professionals and need to be better. Starts with Love and runs down the entire roster.

2) I think Gutekunst recognizes that the roster talent isn't at the level they thought it to be. There remains a talent gap between the Packers and the truly elite teams. There is more work to be done from a player acquisition standpoint as well as coaching staff. There are weaknesses that need to be addressed.

I hope Gutekunst's words are more than just that. I hope it is a call to action and they are aggressive in acquiring more pieces. I suppose time will tell but it sounds like going public with airing these thoughts is an affirmation that the organization recognizes that they're in a championship window and need to act accordingly in pursuing a championship beyond the half measures they did during the Rodgers era.

I am going to offer the differing opinion. I think that Guty is advising that the talent level of the team IS where they thought it would be. He has the team that he has built and he's mostly pleased with it. That team has had adequate time to gel and grow. The youngest players are gaining experience and wisdom. And they have shown that they can play with the best teams. What else could he want? Now is the time to reset the expectations and that there is no time to wait to take things to the next level.

We have a couple of positions to address but Gute's remarks sounded like a shot across the bow towards MLF when he talks about the team underperforming and sloppy play.

[Pugger]

Addressing “urgency” would be trading a draft pick for a known commodity like a 3rd for DK Metcalf or Cooper Kupp a or a first plus for Myles Garrett. Trading up in the draft is too risky, for every Jalen Carter there is a Dallas Turner or Ricky Williams.

Regarding the draft Gutey needs to stop drafting projects based on superior athleticism in the top rounds (Morgan, Musgrave, Watson, Van Ness) and get players who are good enough athletes that can just flat out play football. Brian Branch is a good example who we passed up twice.

Are the veterans you mentioned above FAs? I'd be shocked if Garrett or Kupp became available.

[Yoop]

Sounds like I was wrong with bullet #2 interpretation in my pg 1 response se to the OP.

wow, we have receivers running wrong routes, we see Love dancing versus planting while releasing the ball, we've spent valuable resources to improve pass rush and rank 26th in league with pass pressures, and youth is a big part of the reason or poor coaching, take your pick.
Personally I'd move LVN to DT more, and go hunting for a speed edge rusher to pair with Gary

[Pugger]

Addressing “urgency” would be trading a draft pick for a known commodity like a 3rd for DK Metcalf or Cooper Kupp a or a first plus for Myles Garrett. Trading up in the draft is too risky, for every Jalen Carter there is a Dallas Turner or Ricky Williams.

Regarding the draft Gutey needs to stop drafting projects based on superior athleticism in the top rounds (Morgan, Musgrave, Watson, Van Ness) and get players who are good enough athletes that can just flat out play football. Brian Branch is a good example who we passed up twice.

Are the veterans you mentioned above FAs? I'd be shocked if Garrett or Kupp became available.

I checked and these guys are not FAs so I sit corrected. Would Cleveland consider trading Garrett away? If they did they would want a King's ransom. I don't see LA letting Kupp get away. Metcalf (or Adams) could be an interesting player for us. I truly believe a seasoned veteran in our WR room could be a great mentor for our young guys.

[Yoop]

Addressing “urgency” would be trading a draft pick for a known commodity like a 3rd for DK Metcalf or Cooper Kupp a or a first plus for Myles Garrett. Trading up in the draft is too risky, for every Jalen Carter there is a Dallas Turner or Ricky Williams.

Regarding the draft Gutey needs to stop drafting projects based on superior athleticism in the top rounds (Morgan, Musgrave, Watson, Van Ness) and get players who are good enough athletes that can just flat out play football. Brian Branch is a good example who we passed up twice.

Are the veterans you mentioned above FAs? I'd be shocked if Garrett or Kupp became available.

I checked and these guys are not FAs so I sit corrected. Would Cleveland consider trading Garrett away? If they did they would want a King's ransom. I don't see LA letting Kupp get away. Metcalf (or Adams) could be an interesting player for us. I truly believe a seasoned veteran in our WR room could be a great mentor for our young guys.

and we need an established vet receiver, while Guty says the talent is here for both offense and defense, the production still remains to be seen, we need WR that has been consistently very good, and we have none, same with pass rusher, LVN so far is a bust, and Alexander while heathy is a star, he's never healthy when we need him most.

I think coaches and GM's have to put on the air of everything is fine in pressers, or they leave themselves open for tough/hard questions they simply don't have answers for at the time, if we see these issue's we can be sure they do, so I think as Guty had previously said, we got a little more money to go after UFA talent, and he'll do so, maybe 2 or 3 like last year

[lake shark]

Sounds like I was wrong with bullet #2 interpretation in my pg 1 response se to the OP.

wow, we have receivers running wrong routes, we see Love dancing versus planting while releasing the ball, we've spent valuable resources to improve pass rush and rank 26th in league with pass pressures, and youth is a big part of the reason or poor coaching, take your pick.
Personally I'd move LVN to DT more, and go hunting for a speed edge rusher to pair with Gary

Kind of agree and ask what is Gutey smoking if he thought we played as an experienced team this year. All we did was shoot ourselves in the foot with turnovers and dumb penalties straightaway in every important game.

[Drj820]

funny Gute can say it, but when I say it people just give the team excuse after excuse because they are "young"

[Scott4Pack]

That was my first impression as well, that Gutekunst thinks there needs to be greater urgency among the players next season. I am unsure how that ramped up player urgency is supposed to come about.

I also did not get the impression Gutekunst felt that he needed to ramp up his own urgency as the team's GM.

I did not get an impression one way or another when it came to the coaching staff, but if I had to speculate I'd say that, at least implicitly, Gutekunst is expecting the coaches to be the source of the ramped up urgency among the players they are charged with coaching.

Yup.

Given the season long series of penalties, drops, and careless plays if most of those are cleaned up, we likely advance beyond the divisional round. Maybe even reclaim the division. And if those things are cleaned up, who is to say that we don't get on a good burn like we ended last year? Just saying...

Y'alls interpretation, to me, is that Gute is content to go forward without any major changes, just expecting these guys to just be better.

That's not at all what I came away with.

Not at all. If anything, Guty has 100% been about improving the team in every way that they can (aside from getting FAs in the 2nd half of their careers). I think he looks at this like there are specific areas where it's simply mandated they must improve, whether they made player/coaching changes or not.
:-)

[LombardiTime]

This was APB's exact quote:

I think you misinterpret what APB is saying. APB clearly believes Gutekunst wants to get better with more than just the players we currently have.

You seem to believe signing 1 or 2 bigger free agents wouldn't be a major change for Gutekunst because he already did that. I see that as about the only way a GM can bring about major/quick change without firing coaches or front office personnel. I do not believe any of the latter is warranted at this time. Not by a long short.

So that is why I ask, what major changes can Brian Gutekunst implement in the way he operates?

I think I see the disconnect now.

APB meant, or at least your interpretation of what APB meant, by saying “major change” as it applies to Gutekunst is that he will add 1 or 2 bigger free agents.

I don’t doubt that he will add a significant free agent or two just like he did last offseason and previously did when he had money to spend.

In my view, that is not ramping up any urgency but rather the status quo as far as how the Packer’s GM operates.

And it sort of confirms my belief that Gutekunst’s ramp up the urgency was directed at others, specifically the players and possibly the coaches, and he was not including himself.

However, if you think Gutekunst was including himself I’d love to know what it is you think he will be doing to ramp up his urgency other than dipping into free agency again this offseason.

I'd actually love to know what major changes CAN Brian Gutekunst implement in the way he operates? Do you believe firing LaFleur is that major Change?

Been traveling and just saw this.

This thread concerns Gutekunst's end of the year press conference statement about needing to ramp up a sense of urgency. I was and remain very curious as to whom Gutekunst believes needs to show more urgency.

Thus, my inquiries concerned to whom folks believed Gutekunst was directing his need to ramp up the urgency statement to -- MLF, the other coaches, the players, the rest of the front office, himself, the entire organization?

I stated my belief is that Guteknust directed that comment towards others, not exactly sure who, but was not including himself as far as needing to ramp up his urgency.

You have repeatedly responded by asking what changes I believe Gutekunst should make to the way he operates, which is not what this thread was intended to be about and distracts from the discussion I was attempting to foster.

I also notice you seem not to want to respond to the questions of who Guteknust was directing his need for ramped up urgency statement to and more to the point whether he was including himself in that statement.

It is certainly your prerogative not to respond to the central inquiries of this thread, but I'd rather not get sidetracked into a discussion about hypothetical changes to the way Gutekunst might operate. I imagine there are other threads that tackle that topic and frankly I don't see Gutekunst deviating from his usual mode of operation so I'm not particularly interested in that topic. Hope that helps.

Finally, after hearing some of the beat writers and podcasters discuss Gutekunst's need to ramp up the urgency comment I am even more convinced that he was directing the comments to the players and the coaches rather than himself. For example, Jason Wilde of ESPN said that he thinks Gute is convinced he has built a roster that can compete for Super Bowls and expects more out of the roster.

Could the firing of a Jason Rebrovich have been related to this ramped up sense of urgency?

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing if and how the urgency gets ramped up in 2025.

[Yoop]

I'am holding Guty responsible for everything that goes wrong, and Lafluer for everything that goes right, and don't try to change my mind either, or I'll be calling Papa in to straighten your back side out

[Pckfn23]

I think I see the disconnect now.

APB meant, or at least your interpretation of what APB meant, by saying “major change” as it applies to Gutekunst is that he will add 1 or 2 bigger free agents.

I don’t doubt that he will add a significant free agent or two just like he did last offseason and previously did when he had money to spend.

In my view, that is not ramping up any urgency but rather the status quo as far as how the Packer’s GM operates.

And it sort of confirms my belief that Gutekunst’s ramp up the urgency was directed at others, specifically the players and possibly the coaches, and he was not including himself.

However, if you think Gutekunst was including himself I’d love to know what it is you think he will be doing to ramp up his urgency other than dipping into free agency again this offseason.

I'd actually love to know what major changes CAN Brian Gutekunst implement in the way he operates? Do you believe firing LaFleur is that major Change?

Been traveling and just saw this.

This thread concerns Gutekunst's end of the year press conference statement about needing to ramp up a sense of urgency. I was and remain very curious as to whom Gutekunst believes needs to show more urgency.

Thus, my inquiries concerned to whom folks believed Gutekunst was directing his need to ramp up the urgency statement to -- MLF, the other coaches, the players, the rest of the front office, himself, the entire organization?

I stated my belief is that Guteknust directed that comment towards others, not exactly sure who, but was not including himself as far as needing to ramp up his urgency.

You have repeatedly responded by asking what changes I believe Gutekunst should make to the way he operates, which is not what this thread was intended to be about and distracts from the discussion I was attempting to foster.

I also notice you seem not to want to respond to the questions of who Guteknust was directing his need for ramped up urgency statement to and more to the point whether he was including himself in that statement.

It is certainly your prerogative not to respond to the central inquiries of this thread, but I'd rather not get sidetracked into a discussion about hypothetical changes to the way Gutekunst might operate. I imagine there are other threads that tackle that topic and frankly I don't see Gutekunst deviating from his usual mode of operation so I'm not particularly interested in that topic. Hope that helps.

Finally, after hearing some of the beat writers and podcasters discuss Gutekunst's need to ramp up the urgency comment I am even more convinced that he was directing the comments to the players and the coaches rather than himself. For example, Jason Wilde of ESPN said that he thinks Gute is convinced he has built a roster that can compete for Super Bowls and expects more out of the roster.

Could the firing of a Jason Rebrovich have been related to this ramped up sense of urgency?

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing if and how the urgency gets ramped up in 2025.

You asked this question of another poster:

I guess I'd ask you, do you think Gutekunst makes any "major" changes in the way he operates this offseason? Does he ramp up his own urgency? And if so, how?

So again I ask, what major changes can Gutekunst possibly make if signing free agents isn't a major change?

Firings? Who deserves to be fired?