Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst addressed the media Monday to discuss the latest news concerning the team. He addressed the new players signed in free agency, the status of cornerback Jaire Alexander, and some potential position changes and battles along the offensive line. But he also addressed what many people believe is one of the Packers biggest areas of need and surprised a lot of people with his approach. So, is Packers GM Brian Gutekunst serious about his position being set?
Is Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Serious About This Position Being Set: The Quote from Gutekunst
At his press conference, reporters asked Gutekunst about the defensive line and the need to generate a more consistent pass rush primarily utilizing the front four. Last season, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley had to resort to numerous blitz packages because the front four failed to generate enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks. No defensive lineman on the Packers had more than 7.5 sacks.
“I think we can do everything we need to do with the players we have on our roster right now,” Gutekunst said. “I think there’s a significant amount of improvement for those guys, not only in Year two of a scheme but just individually as well. We’ve invested in that quite a bit already and I’m excited to see the growth that those guys will have.”
Gutekunst appears to be saying that the team does not have a big need to add pass rushers whether at end or tackle. But is the Packers GM serious or is he trying to deflect attention away from the Packers desire to trade for a pass rusher or use a high pick on one at the draft later this month?
The Current Players at End
Gutekunst spoke of potential improvement from within. At end, there are players who could fit this bill as they enter the second season under Hafley and his four-man front.
Rashan Gary had 7.5 sacks last season after moving to defensive end from outside linebacker. He is 27 years old and should be in the prime of his career. His career high is 9.5 sacks which he recorded in 2021. Last season, his sacks went down from nine to 7.5 and his quarterback hits were reduced to 15 from 22 the previous season. Gary was also healthier, as he was another year removed from a season-ending knee injury he suffered in November of 2022. The hope from Gutekunst is that Gary is more comfortable in year two of Hafley’s defense.
The starter opposite Gary was Kingsley Enagbare. The former South Carolina star recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks last season with eight quarterback hits. Enagbare has proven himself to be a useful rotational piece, but he has yet to prove he can be a starting caliber pass rusher. He’s in the final year of his entry-level deal.
Brenton Cox had a strong finish to last season. After the Packers dealt Preston Smith at midseason, Cox saw more playing time. He finished with four sacks and seven quarterback hits in seven games. If he can keep that pace up over a full season, he may have the potential to start in 2025.
The biggest candidate to break out this season is former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness. Can the former Iowa star finally reach his potential and become a quality starter? He played well against the run last season but still only showed flashes of pass rush ability.
Is Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Serious About This Position Being Set: Defensive Tackles
The Packers top pass rusher from the interior has been Kenny Clark. But last season, Clark fell off from 7.5 sacks in 2023 to just one. A toe injury may have contributed to the drop in his play. The Packers hope Clark can bounce back this season. He also carries a cap hit of more than $30 million in 2026. Even if Clark does play well this season, he may have to take a pay cut to remain in Green Bay beyond this season.
Devonte Wyatt led the team’s defensive tackles with five sacks. The Georgia alum is also in the final year of his entry-level contract and may not be back in 2026 unless Gutekunst can reach a new deal with him.
Karl Brooks provides depth inside and provides some rotational pass rush. He sacked opposing quarterbacks 3.5 times while playing 41 percent of the Packers defensive snaps.
The Need
There is no doubt the players on the current roster are capable of playing better in 2025 if they stay healthy and the younger players continue to develop. But it doesn’t change the fact that the Packers have a need along the defensive line, both at end and tackle.
It is likely Gutekunst was trying to create a smokescreen at his press conference to keep other guessing about the Packers needs at the position.
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