Packers Secure the Future: Gutekunst and Ball Sign Extension
The Green Bay Packers have extended the contracts of their general manager, Brian Gutekunst, and executive vice president/director of football operations, Russ Ball. The announcement comes less than two weeks after the team signed an extension with coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers announced the three agreements on Friday, although LaFleur’s had already been reported. The contracts are for several years. The three executives had contracts that expired at the end of next season. This decision marks the first major actions of the team president, Ed Policy, who took office last July.Team sources indicate that LaFleur, Gutekunst, and Ball will continue to report directly to Policy. Before 2018, the Packers’ head coach reported to the general manager, who had the authority to fire and hire him. Gutekunst was hired to replace Ted Thompson. He rose through the personnel department since 1998, and was named general manager in 2018. Under Gutekunst’s direction, the Packers have a record of 82-49-2, including 74-60-1 with LaFleur as coach. One of Gutekunst’s most notable decisions was the selection of quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 draft, while Aaron Rodgers was still on the team. Rodgers was later traded to the New York Jets in 2023. On August 28, Gutekunst traded two first-round picks (plus Kenny Clark) to the Cowboys for defensive end Micah Parsons. This was the first time the Packers had traded a first-round pick for a player since 1992. Gutekunst has had mixed results with his first-round selections, with hits like Jaire Alexander (2018), Quay Walker (2022), and Devonte Wyatt (2022), but also misses like Rashan Gary (2019) and Eric Stokes (2021). The evaluation of Lukas Van Ness (2023), Jordan Morgan (2024), and Matthew Golden (2025) is still pending. Gutekunst, 52 years old, comes from Ron Wolf’s scouting group, which also includes other prominent general managers. Ball, 66, has been with the Packers since 2008 and his main responsibility is to negotiate contracts and manage the salary cap. Before the extensions, Policy met with LaFleur, Gutekunst, and Ball after the playoff loss against the Bears. After reaffirming his commitment to the team, contract negotiations began. The extensions for Gutekunst and Ball occurred after Policy concluded negotiations with LaFleur.We are excited to extend our commitment to Brian, Matt, and Russ as leaders of our football operations. Their dedication, passion, and collaboration have been constant in our drive to compete at the highest level.
Ed Policy, Packers President
