Aaron Banks - Guard Free Agent Signing 2025

[tynimiller]

We made a move many didn't see and signed the consensus top guard in FA....I'll add stats and history on him but discuss.

Four years in the league, drafted in the second round by the 49ers in 2021. Has started 43 games over the last three seasons.

I know him well from being a Notre Damer....looking back on my 2021 draft notes he has big mitts at 10 inches, arms are just over 33 inches, 6'5' 325lbs and was one of my favorite pure guards, albeit I wasn't as high as he ended up going (48th overall)

Has given up 3 sacks his entire career in the NFL per PFF

Contract Details Known now (added 3/12/2025)

4 yrs/$77M SB of $27M (only guaranteed money)

Year1 cap hit is a mere $9.15M
Year2 is $24.85M and could save already $2.5M by cutting
Year3 is $22.25M and could save nearly $10M by cutting
Year4 is $20.75M and could save $14M by cutting

IF Banks proves to be a starter this is fine, you could ride out his entire contract - cap will only continue to rise and the 20-25M range for a starting guard while seems high now won't be in the close future. Personally I'd have bumped the year one hit higher but this tells me they're planning to still add some hits to this year's cap.

 

[AmishMafia]

Wow. Certainly didn't see that coming. Mostly because I never heard of him.

 

[DoURant]

Banks has only given up 2 sacks since 2022. ( 1 last year )

 

[tynimiller]

Banks has only given up 2 sacks since 2022. ( 1 last year )

3 his entire time in the NFL per PFF crazy!

 

[DoURant]

I believe he played LG, which makes the move of Jenkins to C almost a lock.

 

[tynimiller]

I believe he played LG, which makes the move of Jenkins to C almost a lock.

Was my thoughts as well. Yes, to confirm all LG starts for him in NFL.

 

[AmishMafia]

This must mean Jenkins is moving to center with Morgan taking over at LG.

I saw that he was expected to make $18M per year. I am really surprised we would invest that much.

 

[tynimiller]

I think this says a lot about what the team sees in Rhyan more than Morgan like some are saying.

 

[DoURant]

I think this says a lot about what the team sees in Rhyan more than Morgan like some are saying.

Plus the depth they drafted last year. They needed a veteran presence added to this group after the Eagles playoff game, those reserves got whopped, albeit by a very stout Eagles front.

 

[Dantés]

Seems to me that the Packers are trying to move in the direction of more gap/power scheme running.

I think this is LaFleur's way of getting an edge as defenses in the league have gotten lighter and faster.

 

[757Niner]

I'll be honest fellas, feels like a MASSIVE overpay imo.

Most Niner fans will tell you Banks was serviceable at best.

He needed alot of help from the center at times and he wasn't the nimblest of guards when trying to get to the second level.

For a primarily zone-blocking scheme, I think he's a bit of a reach (no pun intended).

Seems like a better fit in power type of system.

Could work out for you guys but I really wasn't expecting his market to be that.

 

[tynimiller]

I'll be honest fellas, feels like a MASSIVE overpay imo.

Most Niner fans will tell you Banks was serviceable at best.

He needed alot of help from the center at times and he wasn't the nimblest of guards when trying to get to the second level.

For a primarily zone-blocking scheme, I think he's a bit of a reach (no pun intended).

Seems like a better fit in power type of system.

Could work out for you guys but I really wasn't expecting his market to be that.

The reach feeling always is present when guys sign new contracts, nature of level escalations. He isn't an elite all pro guard, but he is for sure an NFL starting level guy.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Wow. Certainly didn't see that coming. Mostly because I never heard of him.

Well, you know what they say about offensive linemen - the ones whose names you never hear are the ones who are doing their jobs!

At any rate... Aaron, if you're reading this (and we all know players often do), welcome to Green Bay. You're joining a team with a long tradition of exceptional offensive linemen.

 

[Magooch]

Well, I for one really like that move!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

This must mean Jenkins is moving to center with Morgan taking over at LG.

I saw that he was expected to make $18M per year. I am really surprised we would invest that much.

They could be moving Rhyan to Center as well. I doubt that Monk is ready, but he is also another potential center.

In any case, the Packers OL just improved.

 

[757Niner]

The reach feeling always is present when guys sign new contracts, nature of level escalations. He isn't an elite all pro guard, but he is for sure an NFL starting level guy.

PFF had him rated as the 32nd OG, for what it's worth.

I would have been fine with this for a team that just desperately needs to find some competency on the O-line, but it's a bit weird for the Packers, especially when you consider that like Shanny, Lafleur tends rely on a certain type of skillset from his interior lineman.

I did think he was mostly fine last year, for what it's worth.

I do think it was problematic that we saw no drop off (and perhaps some improvement) when his backup, Burford, and the third string guy in Bartch, had to play in the same spot due to Banks being injured.

But as I said, a change of scenery may work out for all involved.

We'll gladly take the comp pick in the meantime.

 

[Schultz]

IMO they signed him to be the starting LG.

 

[El Guapo]

I did think he was mostly fine last year, for what it's worth.

So you're saying that we'll see you in the NFCCG...

 

[Sanguine camper]

Seems to me that the Packers are trying to move in the direction of more gap/power scheme running.

I think this is LaFleur's way of getting an edge as defenses in the league have gotten lighter and faster.

The Eagles O line is 20 pounds heavier on average per man than the Packers. Adding Banks is a step in getting a little bigger.

 

[Pugger]

Our shallow depth at this position reared its ugly head against Philly so shoring up that position is prudent IMO.

 

[Sanguine camper]

Banks is a big guy. 6'5" and 325 pounds. He's 15 pounds heavier than Jenkins at 310. If Jenkins goes to center, he's the same size as Myers. Overall, signing Banks increases the average weight of the Packers O line by 3 pounds per man.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

So happy the packers spent a first round pick last year on a guy who doesn’t seem like he’s going to be a starter in his second season. Gute needs to start hitting in the first round.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So happy the packers spent a first round pick last year on a guy who doesn’t seem like he’s going to be a starter in his second season. Gute needs to start hitting in the first round.

Way too early to give up on Morgan. He was out due to an injury, not because he sucked.

 

[OldSchool101]

So happy the packers spent a first round pick last year on a guy who doesn’t seem like he’s going to be a starter in his second season. Gute needs to start hitting in the first round.

well if Morgan and Banks play as Guards, as said it’s likely Jenkins pinching in between. Rhyan is going into a contract year and might be reduced to our primary backup at Guard. Monk our primary backup at Center. Morgan our primary backup at Tackle. Those scenarios give us 2025 without much dropoff for a contingency.
Might even see a blocking TE picked up this draft. With Marshawn Lloyd
(I almost said Lynch!) coming back, we’re going to Pack a 1-2-3 punch. I predict Jacob’s per carry jumps 0.5 per area. We’re going to lean replicating Philly and stuff it down their throats!!!!! !!! &$@“


Apologize I’m getting a little too excited over a dang Guard.

 

[tynimiller]

So happy the packers spent a first round pick last year on a guy who doesn’t seem like he’s going to be a starter in his second season. Gute needs to start hitting in the first round.

What are you talking about? Morgan was already flexing time from Rhyan and seemed to be taking over then injury…then started for Jenkins before discovering the injury was too severe and needed fixing (mind you played a ton of snaps and that entire start with it).

This signing should if anyone worry Rhyan because it could have taken millions from him…contract year and he may not start