GREEN BAY − At the conclusion of the NFL trade deadline, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst met with the media to discuss the current state of the team and the new pieces who have contributed.

The Packers traded veteran defensive lineman Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick.

Here are some players Gutekunst talked about.

Jordan Love

“He’s had a little bit of interruptions missing some time and working through injuries. He’s unflappable. He’s kind of the same guy every day. His focus is really, really good. Our offense has been very explosive at times because of him. I think we as a football team, we’re working into a complete team and a team that can win situational football. We’re not there yet, but I feel he’s played very well.”

Malik Willis

“We weren’t expecting him to be pressed into duty as quickly as we did and you really got to credit Malik and our coaching staff for the great job they did getting him ready, putting a game plan around him that really suited him. We knew the player, the skill set and really liked that part of it to win with his arm and leg. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him. He’s a great kid and really fits in what we want here.”

On defensive backs

“Those guys have done a great job this year. I think (Javon Bullard) for a rookie has been doing an excellent job when he’s been put in the nickel. The ability for him to play safety and nickel and what’s put on that guy, for a young guy to do what he’s done is really exciting. What he’s done already and where he’s about to go.

“Keisean (Nixon) hasn’t played a ton of outside corner for us and was put in that position. He’s done a really good job for us. He’s got excellent instincts. He can take the ball away. I’ve been really happy with him out there, as well.”

Free-agent acquisitions Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs

“Not surprised (at production). Those guys were proven players in the league. Again, coming a new environment, sometimes that can take some time. Credit to those guys for being able to contribute how they have so quickly. I think, for me, the production they’ve put out there for us, but also how they fit in the locker room as leaders. They’ve helped strengthen our culture.”

What he saw in Xavier McKinney

“It always starts with our process in college and watching him through that time. Certainly, we were very fond of him during that time and watching him in New York. We played (Giants) last year – had a chance to see him up close and how he prepared in pregame and the things he was doing. He prepares extremely well. Takes it very serious and keeps his body in great shape. I just think he’s a pro’s pro. Interceptions can be streaky, but I do think he’s a guy where the opportunity presented itself, he had the ability to take the ball away.”

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Edgerrin Cooper

“He had a little bit of a setback (with injuries) in training camp, which for a young player is tough when you miss that much time on the field. Just like he was in college, when you put him on the field he makes dynamic plays. He’s still working through the details and intricacies of our defense, but when he’s out there you feel him. He certainly brings an element of speed and he’s a natural playmaker. Excited for him, where he can go, I think there’s a lot of really good football ahead of him.”

Tucker Kraft

“He’s a very rare athlete. Very smart. We knew he could do a lot of things. Did I expect him taking snaps in short yardage? No. If any of our scouts claim they knew, let me know. I’ve read all those reports and I didn’t see anything about a short-yardage quarterback. At the same time, he continues to grow and Matt continues to expand his role because of what he’s been able to do.”

Brandon McManus

“A veteran guy. A pro. He’s been in every situation, so I don’t think he gets flustered at all. Coming in and after the first game, of course, it came down to a (game-winning kick), then did two in a row. It’s why we made the move. Certainly, talking to (special teams coach) Rich (Bisaccia) and those guys, he knows how he wants it done and he’s done it a long time. I think that’s refreshing.”

What he wants to see from the team after the bye week

“More consistency and maybe a little bit better in situational football. I think for a team to win championships and go deep in the playoffs you have to be able to do that. We’re working towards that and I think these guys have had really good moments, but you’ve got to be consistent with that and call upon that when it’s needed.”