GREEN BAY - The 2024 Green Bay Packers again were the youngest team in the National Football League and still made it to the playoffs for a second straight year.

While a lot was made about the rookies and newcomers who made an impact, there are some experienced players on the roster who general manager Brian Gutekunst and the front office staff have decisions to make about their futures with the organization, and what positions need depth.

Gutekunst spoke with the media Thursday in his season-ending news conference.

Here's some takeaways:

The Packers were explosive offensively early in the season, but Gutekunst said the group hit some walls down the stretch.

The team has several talented pieces at wide receiver with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontavyion Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath. Each had some bright moments but struggled with consistency.

That plus the health of the group could prompt change. Watson will have surgery for his torn ACL that could delay his return to action in 2025 and Doubs had two concussions late in the year.

Gutekunst said if there's an available receiver in the draft or free agency who "makes sense" for the Packers, they are open to it. But he was less concerned with finding a distinct No. 1 target.

"I think, historically, if you look at a lot of the teams, very rarely do teams that have one receiver that's super heavy with targets, that usually doesn't play out well for playoffs and success there," Gutekunst said. "We're certainly looking for these guys to take a step where they are more consistent on a down-to-down basis."

The Packers have decisions to make on the fifth-year options for linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.

Both were first-round draft picks in 2022 and, even though they battled injuries this season, played a role in the defense.

Walker finished the year with 110 total tackles (76 solo), 2.5 sacks and two passes defended. Wyatt had 23 total tackles (17 solo) and five sacks.

"I think Quay continued to take a big leap," Gutekunst said. "Another guy that struggled through injuries at the end of the year but continues to be a great leader for us. We would love to have him around here for longer than a couple more years.

"D-Wyatt was probably our most consistent pass rusher from the inside this year. Both of them dealt with some injuries and was really proud of how they attacked those and played through some things this year. I think both of those guys had their best years as pros so far."

The Packers had some huge offseason pickups with Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney.

Players who already were established at their previous teams but became immediate leaders in Green Bay.

Jacobs rushed for more than 1,300 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns, and earned Pro Bowl honors. McKinney had a career-high eight interceptions and was named first-team All-Pro and also received Pro Bowl honors.

Gutekunst wasn't as surprised with their play on the field but more how they handled themselves off it.

"Where they exceeded my expectations is how quickly they embraced our culture here and how positively they impacted it at such a fast pace," Gutekunst said. "Really happy to have those guys. They're about the right stuff. They certainly made us better this year."

The Packers had consistency with their offensive line, and it appears Gutekunst wants to keep the group intact as much as possible.

Left tackle Rasheed Walker, left guard Elgton Jenkins, center Josh Myers, right guard Sean Rhyan and right tackle Zach Tom played a lot of snaps together. Their continuity played a role in Jacobs reaching 1,000 or more yards for the fourth time in his six-year career and Jordan Love being one of the least-sacked quarterbacks this season.

Gutekunst says there could be some shuffling, but feels the group performed well.

"I thought our offensive line, particularly in pass pro, played really well all year for the most part, with the exception of a couple games," Gutekunst said. "I think all those guys had really solid years and improved. Those big guys are hard to find so there's never something we're not going to address. I think we've been pretty consistent in our time here. We very much believe, with the exception of the quarterback, winning in the trenches is how we need to get it done."

There are questions heading into 2025, such as Myers preparing to enter free agency and what to expect from first-round draft pick Jordan Morgan after shoulder surgery.

"I thought (Josh) had his best year and he dealt with some things this year that were tough, and he fought through it like a champion, and was certainly an asset to our football team," Gutekunst said. "I know Jordan trusts him very much as his center. He's a UFA (unrestricted free agent) so we'll see where all that goes, but I can't say enough good things about Josh Myers as a player, a leader. He does embody a Green Bay Packer and what we're looking for."

From Thursday: Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst: 'It's time to start competing for championships'

Jon-Eric Sullivan, the team's vice president of player personnel, could be moving up the NFL ranks.

He's interviewed with teams already, including the Tennessee Titans and the New York Jets, about their general manager positions.

Gutekunst said it would be bittersweet to lose Sullivan and would want him back, but believes he would be successful.

"I think he's absolutely ready. I can't imagine a better candidate out there. I'm certainly very, very biased," he said. "Whoever gives him an opportunity, he's going to do an outstanding job. He's really impacted our organization in so many different ways."