The Green Bay Packers are set to bolster their offensive line by signing free agent guard Aaron Banks, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, to a significant four-year contract worth $77 million. The news, reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, is expected to be finalized when free agency officially begins on March 12, 2025.
At 27 years old, Banks has already made his mark as one of the top offensive guards on the market. Previously drafted by the 49ers as the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, he has spent the last three seasons solidifying his role as a primary starter at left guard. Throughout his tenure with San Francisco, Banks has shown impressive resilience and skills, missing only a handful of games and establishing himself as one of the more consistent linemen.
According to Pro Football Focus, Banks has had remarkable performance metrics, allowing only one sack during the previous season across nearly 775 snaps. This statistic speaks volumes about his capability to protect the quarterback, as he successfully defended against multiple pressures, showcasing his reliability. Reports indicate he has started 43 games since becoming a full-time starter, highlighting his importance to the offensive unit. During his last season, Banks had pass block win rates of 91.7% and run block win rates of 69%, emphasizing his dual-threat abilities along the line.
Brian Gutekunst, the Packers' general manager, hinted at the strategic nature of this signing, stating, "We’re always going to continue to address the offensive line because there’s just never enough of them." The addition of Banks is particularly insightful with reports indicating the Packers are preparing to lose center Josh Myers to free agency. This move not only emphasizes the Packers' intention to revamp their offensive line but also suggests potential shifts within their current starting positions.
The deal for Banks arrives amid broader strategic reconfigurations within the Packers' offensive line, which is expected to see Elgton Jenkins transition to the center position—an area where Jenkins has experience—and potentially leave Sean Rhyan or others to fill the guard role. This flexibility could create new dynamics and serve as adequately proactive measures to strengthen the overall depth of the offensive line, especially as quarterback Jordan Love takes the helm with burgeoning expectations.
Evaluated as one of the league's promising young guards, Banks also transitions back to a familiar offensive scheme under Matt LaFleur, mirroring the 49ers’ run-heavy approaches which he has exemplified expertly. His knowledge from San Francisco's system will be pivotal as the Packers look to establish continuity and productivity on the offensive front. With Christian McCaffrey's impressive backend performances attributed partly to Banks' protection, this signing highlights the significance the Packers' leadership sees in acquiring such capable personnel.
Last season, Banks faced some penalties, evidenced by three flags—two for false starts and one for holding—yet still managed to remain one of the premier guards based on performance and efficiency metrics, indicating potential for growth and improvement.
Looking to the future, the Packers' decision to invest heavily in Banks appears strategic, potentially aligning with their long-term goals of solidifying the offensive line. Alongside tackles Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, who are expected to return next season, the revamped line may offer significant support and protection for Love as they revert to playmaking strategies paired with their offensive vision.
While the terms of his contract will see Banks earning $63 million over the first three years, the contract reflects not just confidence in Banks' abilities but also the Packers' willingness to invest heavily for the upcoming decade. Observers around the league and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this transition plays out, particularly with Jenkins potentially moving to center and how the younger players like Jordan Morgan, who missed most of last season, fit back as starters as well.
This signing marks the beginning of free agency for the Packers, as they look to reinforce their strategy heading toward the 2025 NFL season. The anticipation of new formations, enhanced player performance, and securing their quarterback's protection could be pivotal as they seek to reclaim their standing within the competitive NFC North.
For now, all eyes will remain focused on Green Bay as the organization prepares for what may be the beginning of significant change within its offensive line dynamics.