What to know about Brian Gutekunst's post-trade press conference

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered questions for about 16 minutes after Tuesday's NFL trade deadline.

The Packers made just one move: They traded defensive end Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft.

Here are the key things to know from Gutekunst's post-deadline press conference:

— Gutekunst thanked Preston Smith. “He did a lot of good things for us. I wish him nothing but the best for the future.”

– He said he was “excited” to see more snaps from Arron Mosby and Brenton Cox Jr. He expects the young players at edge rusher to improve in the second half of the season. “I’m excited to see what they do in the second half.”

– Said rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) will soon be coming off injured reserve and could take Smith's roster spot. The Packers have until next Saturday to fill the roster spot.

– Not surprised by the adjustment period for the defense front in the new system and believes a “breakthrough” is imminent.

– Packers assumed the trade deadline would be “quiet,” and that was the case. I didn't think there would be many opportunities to acquire “significant” players. “Wasn’t much available this year.”

– The Packers had no plans to trade Preston Smith, but they did want to give younger players more opportunities. Similar to Rasul Douglas at cornerback last year.

– Said rookie Javon Bullard has done an “outstanding job” at safety and slot this year. “Really happy” with Keisean Nixon’s performance so far as an outside corner.

– On Edgerrin Cooper: He missed time in training camp, but he made “dynamic plays” as a rookie. He called him a “natural playmaker.”

– He said he wasn't too worried about Jordan Love's interceptions, but acknowledged he needs to get better at protecting the ball in the second half of the season.

— About Brandon McManus: “Veteran, a professional. I don’t think he gets nervous at all…that’s why we made the move.”

— On the defensive front: “Out of this whole group, we need more from these guys, and I think we'll get that… I like this group, I like the way they work.”

– On the Packers so far: “We’re 6-3, I think we’re in a good position and I’m excited to see how these guys come together and grow.” The Packers need more consistency and better situational football. “We’re working on that.”