The Packers likely will convert some of Aaron Rodgers' 2021 money ($21.5 million) into a signing bonus that can prorate over multiple cap years. GM Brian Gutekunst: “We've reached out to a number of players … working with those guys to find solutions to this cap issue.” The team doesn't have to ask Rodgers for his permission to make such a move, but Gutekunst indicated there have been talks.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst still believes the Packers will be able to make a move on a high-end free agent despite the cap restraints. “We won't able to do a lot but if the right guy is there, I think we'll be able to do what we need to do.”
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst wouldn't rule out using the franchise or transition tag on RB Aaron Jones: "We certainly could. It's something we're working through. It's not a philosophical thing to avoid it. There's usually better ways (to retain players)." He said they'll keep it in mind over the next week or so and "if that becomes what's in the best interest of the Packers, I think we'll do that, but at this point we haven't done that."
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst wouldn't say much about how deeply involved they got with J.J. Watt. "Whenever those guys become available, we're certainly interested to see if it's a fit with us," Gutekunst said.
Maurice Drayton clearly understands the up-and-down history of the Packers' special teams. He referenced coordinators past going back to Nolan Cromwell and Mike Stock – the last leaders of solid special teams in Green Bay. He wants his unit known as "a good, sound fundamental and technique unit."
New Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry didn't hide from his previous stints in the job with Washington and Detroit. "I'm really proud of my scars," he said. "I would hope 36-year-old Joe Barry is a lot different than 50-year-old Joe Barry." He also added: "My vision has changed over the years."
If anyone needs offseason practices, it's Jordan Love. Packers OC Nathanial Hackett said the key for Love is "just growing more in the offensive system and making it his own." He noted that the last time Love had full-speed reps was the abbreviated training camp last August. "That's something he needs," Hackett said.
Matt LaFleur expects new defensive coordinator Joe Barry to implement the Rams' scheme that Brandon Staley ran last year, calling it “one of the more difficult schemes to scheme against as we prepared for that (playoff) game.” He also called the scheme “multiple enough” to adapt to the Packers' personnel.
Coach Matt LaFleur has mentioned "communication" and "communicator" multiple times when talking about new defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Obviously that was a big considering what happened in the NFC title game with the miscommunication between LaFleur and Mike Pettine.
Loyola Chicago made it to the Final Four in 2018. Three years later, the Ramblers are in position for a return to March Madness.
The Packers' top two running backs --Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams -- are free agents. Will they find a way to bring one or both of them back?
The Packers promoted Jerry Gray to defensive backs/passing game coordinator, Adam Stenavich to offensive line/run game coordinator, Rayna Stewart to assistant special teams coach and Connor Lewis to special teams assistant/game management specialist while also hiring John Dunn as a senior analyst, Justin Hood as a defensive quality control coach, Ryan Mahaffey as an offensive quality control coach and Tim Zetts as an offensive quality control coach. Here's the full staff makeup for 2021:
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has made a $1 million donation to help 80 struggling small businesses in and around his hometown of Chico, California.
Who are the league's best as we approach the All-Star break? See where all 30 teams stand now.
From former All-Stars trying to make one more roster to top prospects getting a first chance, there are some intriguing players to watch in every spring training camp.
The MVP quarterback got a shoutout from the legendary actress and director during the Golden Globes.
The Bucks' star power was stronger than LA's, as Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co. showed the Clippers how it's done.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points and sparked closing 9-0 run to help the Milwaukee Bucks rally to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 105-100 on Sunday for their fifth consecutive victory.
