GM Brian Gutekunst always has a long-term plan for the Packers

While this 2024-25 season undoubtedly ended in disappointment of the Green Bay Packers, a broader look at the organization and where it's at as a whole does put things in a more positive light.

Remember, the Packers traded away four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers two years ago. The fact that they've made the playoffs in the two years since is a testament to their organizational stability, as well as their planning.

Speaking of Rodgers, the Packers drafted his replacement, Jordan Love, five years ago. It was a move that was met with much consternation at the time, but Rodgers has now moved on and is arguably at the doorstep of retirement after a terrible season with the New York Jets.

For all his flaws, the Packers do seem to have yet another franchise quarterback in Love.

It's incredible, when you think about it that way, and much if not all of the credit deserves to go to the one who masterminded it all: GM Brian Gutekunst.

This is someone who thinks things out and has a long-term view of things. Just look at the move he made to trade up for and draft Love in 2020. It's now paying off years later.

In a recent piece on ESPN, Packers beat reporter Rob Demovsky interviewed an NFL personnel analyst who has worked for the Packers and asked him about what makes Gutekunst who he is as a general manager.

"Some guys just throw s--- on the board and think it's a plan," that analyst said, per Demovsky. "This is a clear plan. He has a three-year plan and a five-year plan. You can see that by the way he's shaped the roster."

The Packers lost their last two regular season games, went 1-5 in the NFC North and got bounced fairly easily by the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round.

That's not to say this still isn't a young and talented team that's just a few more pieces away from putting it all together though. Gutekunst added Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney this past season, who were both integral parts of the plan. 

He also drafted up-and-coming superstar linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Evan Williams.

Who will he add this offseason? No matter who it is, and whether via the draft or free agency, you just know Gutekunst is going to keep the Packers' long-term viability in mind.