Packers planning for long-term future that includes Rodgers

Updated Feb. 1, 2021 11:49 p.m. ET

Associated Press

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur say they expect Aaron Rodgers to remain their team’s starting quarterback in 2021 and beyond.

Gutekunst and LaFleur made those comments Monday during season-ending Zoom sessions with reporters. After the Packers’

“We’re really excited not only for next year, but the years to come,” Gutekunst said.

When asked specifically whether that meant keeping Rodgers beyond the 2021 season, Gutekunst said, “Absolutely.” Rodgers has three years remaining on a

“Obviously he’s under contract, and he’s playing at an extremely high level,” Gutekunst said. “What we’re trying to do as an organization and what we’re trying to accomplish, we can’t do without Aaron Rodgers right now. He’s such a part of what we’ve done. He’s such a part of what we’re doing right now and certainly in the future.”

Rodgers’ long-term future has been a topic of league-wide speculation ever since the Packers traded up four picks to

The subject came up again when Rodgers discussed his future after the NFC championship game.

Gutekunst said Monday he views Love “as a very talented prospect that we’re really excited about developing.” Gutekunst noted the Packers have a history of giving young quarterbacks time to develop.

Rodgers, a first-round pick in 2005, backed up Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre for three seasons before taking over as the starter. Gutekunst cited the examples of

“I’m really excited about the limited development that Jordan has been able to do in the short period of time that we’ve had him. ... There were some unforeseen challenges as far as offseason and no preseason games and things like that,” Gutekunst said. “So we’re excited to continue down that road and get him in some preseason games, at the same time while we’re competing for championships with Aaron.”

Rodgers, 37, had one of the best seasons of his stellar career to earn

“You’re talking about the guy that’s going to win the MVP of the league,” LaFleur said. “We’re not in this position without him. I couldn’t be happier with just not only his performance but how he led our football team, all the little things he does within that locker room to ensure that everybody is locked in, focused and ready to go. Absolutely he will be here for a long time.”

LaFleur also said Monday he is promoting Maurice Drayton, who worked as assistant special teams coach this past season, to take over as special teams coordinator. The Packers announced Friday that

During his Zoom session, LaFleur also discussed two notable plays from the NFC championship game.

LaFleur blamed himself for miscommunication that contributed to

“That was just a flat-out miscommunication and ultimately, any time something like that occurs, that 100% falls squarely on my shoulders,” LaFleur said. “I’ve got to make sure that I’m crystal clear with our communication and those mistakes cannot happen, especially when the stakes are so big.”

LaFleur also was criticized for

“If I had to do it again, if it’s fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, we’re kicking a field goal,” LaFleur said. “If it’s fourth-and-goal from the 5, I think we have a different discussion. You’ve got to play the percentages.”

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