The Packers President & CEO Ed Policy spoke with Corey Behnke and Aaron Nagler Wednesday evening on Packers Transplant. Policy interviewed for roughly 30 minutes. He expanded on his reasoning to extend LaFleur and Gutekunst, the Packers 2026 international possibilities, and his desire to give the Packers Leaders the ultimate resources.
The top highlight of the interview with Policy was his comment regarding Russ Ball and Brian Gutekunst. Policy mentioned that he wants to make sure that Ball and Gutekunst have all the resources to acquire any player that they want. That has to excite Packer fans. That comment certainly holds water given the fact that the Packers pulled off a massive trade to acquire Micah Parsons last August.
Gutekunst has taken a more aggressive approach with his roster construction plan than Ted Thompson. Thompson fully believed in the “draft and development” philosophy. He rarely acquired top talent via free agency or trades. Gutekunst, who has stated the importance of the NFL draft, has shown on multiple occasions that he will target and acquire top free agents, i.e. Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs, and pull the trigger on blockbuster trades. It is refreshing and exciting to hear that Policy wants Gutekunst to have every resource available to be in a position to acquire premiere talent.
Ed Policy’s Take On Extending Matt LaFleur
Aaron Nagler asked Ed Policy to explain his decision to extend Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur. Policy mainly discussed the LaFleur decision. He did acknowledge the frustrating 5 game losing streak, specifically the playoff meltdown. Policy mentioned that the second half against the Bears was some of the most frustrating football he was watched in his career. However, he made it clear that he did not let recent events and emotions determine LaFleur’s future in Green Bay.
Policy went on to say that LaFleur’s overall win/loss record was a key component in his decision. LaFleur is the winningest coach in the NFC since he took over in Green Bay and has taken the Packers to the playoffs in 6 of his 7 seasons. Policy praised LaFleur’s work with the Packers QBs. Under LaFleur, Aaron Rodgers won back-to-back MVPs. Jordan Love has become a “budding star”, in Policy’s own words. Policy even praised LaFleur’s work with Malik Willis, who went from a draft bust to a $67.5 million dollar quarterback.
Matt LaFleur recently received a “B-“ grade from his players in the annual NFL report cards. Policy, more or less, put those concerns to bed. He mentioned that he spoke to several players, offline, regarding their opinion of Matt LaFleur. Several players spoke highly of LaFleur, especially Packers QB Jordan Love. Those conversations between the players and Policy seemed to solidify Policy’s decision to extend Matt LaFleur.
The Packers 2026 International Possibilities
There are two likely scenarios for the Packers to play an international game in 2026. The Packers have 9 protected home games this season. If they were to play outside of the Untied States, it would have to be a road game. The Detroit Lions are scheduled to play a home game in Munich, Germany and the New Orleans Saints are set to play a game in Paris, France.
Policy said that a contact with the Detroit Lions told him that the team decided to protect their home game against the Packers. That means the Packers will not be the Lions opponent in Munich. However, Policy went on to say that Paris is a still on the table for the Packers game against the Saints. The NFL schedule will be released either May 13th or May 14th so Packer fans will find out in the coming weeks.
