Packers’ $77 Million Free Agent Predicted To Be A Bust

Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst was busy this offseason adding talent to the roster. He signed cornerback Nate Hobbs in free agency and bolstered the defense through the draft with Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Warren Brinson, and Micah Robinson. On offense, Gutekunst signed guard Aaron Banks and receiver Mecole Hardman. Moreover, he drafted wideouts Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, along with offensive linemen Anthony Belton and John Williams.

Gutekunst said a lot about how he views Green Bay’s roster without saying a word. The Packers ranked 27th in pass rush win rate last season and were already thin at cornerback depth with Jaire Alexander on the roster. Now, with Alexander gone, the secondary is even more depleted. Still, Green Bay made no significant defensive additions—an implicit sign of trust in Jeff Hafley to get the most out of the unit. Meanwhile, the focus on offense was clear: surround Jordan Love with more protection and playmakers to accelerate his development.

Green Bay’s costliest investments this offseason were guard Aaron Banks (four years, $77 million) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (four years, $48 million). Both should have every opportunity to prove they are worth the commitment. However, Dairyland Express’ Chris Schad believes Banks will not live up to his contract.

"Aaron Banks was signed to help solidify an offensive line that ranked sixth in PFF’s final 2024 rankings," Schad wrote. "With Josh Myers gone and Elgton Jenkins moving to center, the Packers committed to Banks with a four-year, $77 million deal."

“Banks’s contract makes it seem like the Packers are getting a stud in the trenches, but his performance with the 49ers falls short… At age 28, he likely has achieved his final form as an average to above-average guard.” 

Schad also pointed out that the move could have ripple effects on the offensive line, especially with Elgton Jenkins using his position switch as leverage for a new deal.

"The price of free agents has increased as the NFL has dumped more money into its infrastructure. But Banks’s contract is more alarming when you consider the residual effect it’s had on the offensive line," he wrote. "Jenkins is currently using his position switch as a bargaining chip for a new contract and if Banks doesn’t hold up his end of the bargain, it could have a high-priced hole in the offensive line."

Banks has 43 career starts, including the San Francisco 49ers’ 25-22 Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has over 2,960 snaps played at left guard and should be Green Bay’s Week 1 starter at that position. While he has been an average blocker so far, the Packers have a strong track record of developing offensive linemen. If any team can turn Banks into a Pro Bowl-caliber guard, it is Green Bay.