Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Reportedly Will Sign Contract Extension Amid Matt LaFleur Return Rumors

Despite a second straight disappointing exit from the playoffs in the NFC Wild Card Round, the Green Bay Packers are keeping the status quo in their front office.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will return for the 2026 season. Gutekunst has held the role since 2018.

After the Packers went 9-7-1 in 2025 and surrendered an 18-point lead in their loss to the NFC North rival Chicago Bears in the postseason opener, many expected that changes could be coming to the franchise. However, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported at the time that Gutekunst "would appear to stand on firmer ground" than head coach Matt LaFleur entering the offseason. LaFleur reportedly agreed to a contract to return to Green Bay on Saturday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Gutekunst joined the Packers in 1999 as a scout and worked his way up to the GM position nearly 20 years later. He oversaw multiple crucial decisions in recent years, including moving on from legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers in favor of Jordan Love and parting ways with star receiver Davante Adams.

Green Bay is facing a slightly uncertain future, as it won't have a first-round pick in the next two drafts following the acquisition of star edge rusher Micah Parsons, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 15.

Still, the Packers have a solid foundation with Love leading the way, so Gutekunst will have to continue focusing on building around the star signal-caller as the team tries to return to Super Bowl contention in 2026 and beyond.