Aaron Banks - Guard Free Agent Signing 2025

[gopkrs]

I'm happy to get a big guard. I guess he was drafted as a guard in the 2nd round so that was pretty high. Kind of looks like draftwise, we may be checking out D line and pass rush early. Maybe corner. Just a guess of course. I still like that Alabama linebacker. I think with Banks and Hobbs, we have definitely gotten stronger. Go Pack!

 

[Thirteen Below]

From what I read today, Banks gives up a lot of pressures in big games. Turns out he's rated relatively poorly by PFF, 64.5 overall. Not terrible, not exactly all-pro.

I read a couple of 49er boards today, to see what they had to say about him, and it was a bit of a buzzkill. A lot of comments like "an extremely OK player", and "frustratingly average". Apparently he doesn't match up well against smaller, faster rushers.

But we'll see. Green Bay is famous for coaching up their OL, and at the very least, he's starting-caliber depth.

 

[DoURant]

We all think highly of Jenkins, and he is superior to Banks in pass protection, but overall, they graded out very close in PFF last year.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[OldSchool101]

Another thing I haven’t seen mentioned. Banks played every position (except Center) across the OL in college. He’s a Bonafide Guard, but with the ability and length (6’53/8) to play Tackle in a pinch.
This move met several criteria. It alleviated our need to resign Myers or any Center in this draft. It dropped OG to a bottom need. After resigning Telfort, it combined in unison to serve as a solution at multiple backup spots. For all practical purposes this moved Sean Rhyan out of the starting lineup, but into a key backup role. We will likely see an improvement at OC AND RG, but without much dropoff, if any, at LG.

Banks is a Run specialist first, yet adept at recognizing stunts or twists and as good as anyone to drop anchor against a physical interior. He’s a bully in the Run game though and was a solid Day 2 projection for a power running game.

This speaks to really wanting to protect Jordan through elevating our run game and have 3 big time anchors in the middle. Banks- Jenkins-Morgan with 3 formidable, bruising style RB’s working behind them Jacobs-Lloyd-Wilson

 

[Sanguine camper]

I wouldn't count Ryhan out just yet. He improved last season. It's not inconceivable that if Morgan turns out to be too good to be a back up, Gute just signed a $19 million per year back up guard. I'm not saying that will happen, but the chances that Banks is the 3rd best guard on the team is not negligible.

 

[Schultz]

I wouldn't count Ryhan out just yet. He improved last season. It's not inconceivable that if Morgan turns out to be too good to be a back up, Gute just signed a $19 million per year back up guard. I'm not saying that will happen, but the chances that Banks is the 3rd best guard on the team is not negligible.

IMO that would be a good thing. IMO this dropped the need to draft 2 guys to one. It also dropped IMO OL need from #4 to #5. I obviously need to see Monk under game conditions and I am not as high on Telfort as some others.

 

[Thirteen Below]

It's not inconceivable that if Morgan turns out to be too good to be a back up, Gute just signed a $19 million per year back up guard.

You just summed up my very first reaction to this move, although you phrased it more clearly than I did in my mind. My first thought when I heard of it was "isn't that what Monk and or Morgan were supposed to be this year?"

My first questions were, "is Morgan's mysterious, unspecified shoulder injury worse than we realized?" Because I know from experience, shoulder injuries can be very tricky. It's one of the most complicated joints in the human body; the things a shoulder is tasked with doing are just not natural from an engineering point of view.

Depending on the injury, it would not be surprising if he never fully recovered to the point where he could play on the O line. I can't help wondering if this move was made because they know something we don't about his shoulder. They've been extremely vague about that shoulder.

And then there's Monk.... strictly an interior lineman, played his entire college career at center or guard, and supposedly the staff was ga-ga over him in training camp last year. They had big plans, he was a 5th round steal, etc.

But he never took a single snap, even though we had serious depth problems on the O line - especially late in the season, after he'd had almost 6 months in the system, but they still didn't trust him to step in and play a role?

Something about that just doesn't sound right. I can't help wondering if Monk and maybe Morgan too are not really seen as potential starters at this point. Because that's a lot of money to spend on a player who is being hired to do the job that they were drafted to do.

 

[milani]

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

Saw him in several 9er games.

 

[milani]

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

Anyone think this is a steep price? Will it hurt us elsewhere?

 

[tynimiller]

Anyone think this is a steep price? Will it hurt us elsewhere?

Not really, once we see the structure of the deal I think folks will see this is likely at most a decent three year deal with that fourth year out...but I expect it to be essentially a two year deal with a small option out before three. It's just how GB structures stuff.

I see zero chance of hurt, our OL got stronger today - the one thing which was our primary issue that took us out of the playoffs.

 

[OldSchool101]

I wouldn't count Ryhan out just yet. He improved last season. It's not inconceivable that if Morgan turns out to be too good to be a back up, Gute just signed a $19 million per year back up guard. I'm not saying that will happen, but the chances that Banks is the 3rd best guard on the team is not negligible.

With all due respect, I highly doubt this. I guess you could say anything is possible, but that doesn’t = probable.

The other thing is we took out a prenup on Banks. He’s really on a short leash in regard to his guaranteed, it’s not like he’s 50%+ guaranteed. He’s our 1++ year answer to improving at Run blocker at LG (no Offense to Jenkins he’s a better Rounded player) and OC. He just solved our overall Center dilemma as Jenkins is much better Rounded as a player than Myers. Myers would get caught like a deer in headlights on intricate Stunts. Myers looked for work, but sometimes in all the wrong places.
I predict (and this isn’t some huge gamble here) Morgan is going to quickly take over at RG if he’s healthy and Rhyan is NOT moving to LG. Which means in your scenario , if anyone is a backup it’s Morgan? and that ain’t happening (at least until we give him significant and ample opportunity to showcase his talent).

Someone else in here said it perfectly. We really need 6 starting OL as the #6 gets used regularly. Rhyan is not bad.. he’s just our #6 and that’s not something to be ashamed of, especially if you are #6 on a Top10 rated OL. Likely means you’d be a starter on many teams’ rosters.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

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

I'm just saying that it would be nice to have a first year impact player from the first round for the first time since Jaire was drafted seven years ago.

 

[OldSchool101]

I'm just saying that it would be nice to have a first year impact player from the first round for the first time since Jaire was drafted seven years ago.

I agree with that 110%.

We really have not gotten even adequate production from Day1 recently. That said, I think we get 2 impact players thrust into the fray this season.
1. Jordan Morgan
2. Marshawn Lloyd.

Loved what Lloyd did before injury. In his very first Run he showcases his speed and shiftiness. Running for 11 yards. While called back on a O holding flag, the hold didn’t appear to directly affect the play from memory of looking for that on replay. Lloyd is going to be special. Maybe not Jacobs special, but an upgrade over Wilson and that’s a huge prediction over a Enmanual plugging along at a bigtime 5 yards per. Also I think Lloyd was my #3 versatile RB favorite behind Tracey and a certain Texas Longhorns RB coming off injury. Lloyd’s ability to punish teams in the passing game mixed with a tackle breaking factory is going to add a new twist to our backfield. Maybe The only negative mark I can even drum up about Marshawn was I thought he was closer to that 4th Rounder ~#125 grade, but we’re talking about a very slight reach in draft capital to put a Packer Jersey on him. I can live with that.

 

[tynimiller]

I'm just saying that it would be nice to have a first year impact player from the first round for the first time since Jaire was drafted seven years ago.

I don't disagree but when you are constantly drafting towards the back end of the first, and with the mindset and approach GB has with prospects it is rarely about immediate build but impact future type mindset. Morgan was set to likely play minimum half the snaps the offense had if he hadn't had to deal with shoulder pain/injury. Dude is an NFL caliber OL no question.

There are a lot of teams that think it would be nice to perpetually have a team built for success like GB has managed to do as well...hard to argue against GB's approach as it has kept them as one of the most relevant teams for literally three decades essentially.

 

[Sanguine camper]

With all due respect, I highly doubt this. I guess you could say anything is possible, but that doesn’t = probable.

The other thing is we took out a prenup on Banks. He’s really on a short leash in regard to his guaranteed, it’s not like he’s 50%+ guaranteed. He’s our 1++ year answer to improving at Run blocker at LG (no Offense to Jenkins he’s a better Rounded player) and OC. He just solved our overall Center dilemma as Jenkins is much better Rounded as a player than Myers. Myers would get caught like a deer in headlights on intricate Stunts. Myers looked for work, but sometimes in all the wrong places.
I predict (and this isn’t some huge gamble here) Morgan is going to quickly take over at RG if he’s healthy and Rhyan is NOT moving to LG. Which means in your scenario , if anyone is a backup it’s Morgan? and that ain’t happening (at least until we give him significant and ample opportunity to showcase his talent).

Someone else in here said it perfectly. We really need 6 starting OL as the #6 gets used regularly. Rhyan is not bad.. he’s just our #6 and that’s not something to be ashamed of, especially if you are #6 on a Top10 rated OL. Likely means you’d be a starter on many teams’ rosters.

No doubt the team doesn't want a first round pick in Morgan sitting on the bench. Guard is probably his best position so he and Ryhan will have their competition if Morgan can get healthy. Ryhan improved as he gained experience so he's not going to be easy to beat out. If he and Morgan are close to equal, then Morgan will surely get the nod. It may be a moot point if Morgan is damaged goods.

 

[Thirteen Below]

There are a lot of teams that think it would be nice to perpetually have a team built for success like GB has managed to do as well...hard to argue against GB's approach as it has kept them as one of the most relevant teams for literally three decades essentially.

In the last 30 years, the only team that has won more games than Green Bay is New England - 314 to 307. There's a decent chance we catch them next year.

No team in the NFL has scored more touchdowns or total points than Green Bay during that time span.

So, yeah - I would say we're consistently doing something right!

 

[rmontro]

Can't say I know much about Banks, but I've liked the 49ers lines in recent years. And the Eagles Super Bowl win shows the importance of being good upfront.

 

[Wraith09]

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 Packers have drafted 14 O-linemen since Gut took over in 2018. I don’t think they know how to draft O-line. If they did they wouldn’t be signing one, he should already be on the team. Contrary to popular opinion out there, I don’t think the Packers know how to build a good team in the NFL of today. Their own division rivals have all passed them up and I think they have a good chance of occupying the basement position at the end 2025. Having Aaron Rodgers as quarterback covered up their failures in the draft. The only thing that will save them is a fan revolt which I don’t see coming anytime soon. One of the disadvantages of having a diffuse style of ownership, but not inferior to egotistical forms of ownership. Good luck to the Niners with the loss of so many of their players.

 

[rmontro]

The Packers have drafted 14 O-linemen since Gut took over in 2018. I don’t think they know how to draft O-line.

The Packers usually have a well rated OL, usually especially for pass blocking. But when they get into the playoffs, they tend to get overrun.

 

[tynimiller]

The Packers have drafted 14 O-linemen since Gut took over in 2018. I don’t think they know how to draft O-line. If they did they wouldn’t be signing one, he should already be on the team. Contrary to popular opinion out there, I don’t think the Packers know how to build a good team in the NFL of today. Their own division rivals have all passed them up and I think they have a good chance of occupying the basement position at the end 2025. Having Aaron Rodgers as quarterback covered up their failures in the draft. The only thing that will save them is a fan revolt which I don’t see coming anytime soon. One of the disadvantages of having a diffuse style of ownership, but not inferior to egotistical forms of ownership. Good luck to the Niners with the loss of so many of their players.

Whaaaaat? I'm sorry but are we just spouting things without checking history?

I understand they constantly toss low equity draft picks at OL but you cannot just lump all draft picks equally....you know how many times since 2018 that Gute has spent a top 100 draft pick on OL......four times. Elgton Jenkins at 44th in 2019 (one of our best lineman over the past 5 seasons), Josh Myers at 62nd in 2021 (gave us four years of starting center play), Sean Rhyan at 92nd in 2022 (became a split starter with Runyan and then last year all 17 games), Jordan Morgan at 25th in 2024(first year forced split time and gave one start in the 6 games active). I'd say Gute when he spends solid draft picks on guys along the offensive front he pegs guys that are going to in their rookie contract provide starting level play.

Only two of those four were Top 50 picks and one was 8 from 100.

Of those remaining guys that were Day3s...let's discuss some of the guys that included:

Zach Tom at 140th in 2022 is set to likely get a market setting or darn near that contract for right tackles because how good he has been.
Rasheed Walker at 249th in 2022 is going to make bank, as he has turned into a solid LT starter in the league with already 32 starts to his name there.
Cole Van Lanen at 214th in 2021 was traded to the Jaguars and is still active. He started 3 games for the Jags.
Jon Runyan at 192nd in 2020 started for GB 50 times and only missed one game his sophomore season. He got a $10M/yr deal to be NYG starting guard in 2024.
Royce Newman at 142nd in 2021 started for GB his rookie year 16 times at RG. Started 8 more times the next two seasons. Is now in TB.
Jake Hanson at 208th in 2020 started one game for GB in his two years here, after he left here the Jets picked him up as a swing guard and he's provided 6 starts for them the last couple seasons.*arguably a miss but at 208th pick this is overachieving

The only guys that aren't in the league and were flops since 2018 include:

Cole Madison at 138th in 2018 draft
Simon Stepaniak at 209th in 2020 draft

VASTLY TOO SOON TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT:

Jacob Monk at 163rd in 2024 Draft
Travis Glover at 202nd in 2024 Draft

 

[Dantés]

Here's what I've got on the Banks signing:

-The Packers clearly love the idea of Jenkins at center.

-The Packers clearly don't see Morgan as a left guard. It's TBD whether they want him to be the future at RG or LT.

-Those two realities ^ in combination threw Packer fans off the scent of a move like this.

-Banks is a really good pass protector.

-He's a versatile run blocker-- whereas a guy like Dalman is really good at one thing, Banks can block in whatever scheme you want (outside, inside, and mid zone, gap, power, duo...).

-He was playing through various injuries over the past couple of seasons that limited him somewhat.

-The Packers opted to pay up in terms of AAV so as to lock him up on a longer contract that essentially is backloaded with team options.

-People are overreacting to the 19.5 AAV number. When Jenkins signed in 2022 for 17M AAV, that was 8.2% of the cap in the year he signed it. 8.2% of the cap this season would be 23.6M AAV. So against the cap, it's a mark down of the Jenkins deal.

 

[tynimiller]

Here's what I've got on the Banks signing:

-The Packers clearly love the idea of Jenkins at center.

-The Packers clearly don't see Morgan as a left guard. It's TBD whether they want him to be the future at RG or LT.

-Those two realities ^ in combination threw Packer fans off the scent of a move like this.

-Banks is a really good pass protector.

-He's a versatile run blocker-- whereas a guy like Dalman is really good at one thing, Banks can block in whatever scheme you want (outside, inside, and mid zone, gap, power, duo...).

-He was playing through various injuries over the past couple of seasons that limited him somewhat.

-The Packers opted to pay up in terms of AAV so as to lock him up on a longer contract that essentially is backloaded with team options.

-People are overreacting to the 19.5 AAV number. When Jenkins signed in 2022 for 17M AAV, that was 8.2% of the cap in the year he signed it. 8.2% of the cap this season would be 23.6M AAV. So against the cap, it's a mark down of the Jenkins deal.

Hey pipe down with your numbers and logical thoughts… lol

 

[Schultz]

I totally agree. There is absolutely no place for logical thoughts here! Now, everyone else carry on.

 

[Sanguine camper]

The Packers have drafted 14 O-linemen since Gut took over in 2018. I don’t think they know how to draft O-line. If they did they wouldn’t be signing one, he should already be on the team. Contrary to popular opinion out there, I don’t think the Packers know how to build a good team in the NFL of today. Their own division rivals have all passed them up and I think they have a good chance of occupying the basement position at the end 2025. Having Aaron Rodgers as quarterback covered up their failures in the draft. The only thing that will save them is a fan revolt which I don’t see coming anytime soon. One of the disadvantages of having a diffuse style of ownership, but not inferior to egotistical forms of ownership. Good luck to the Niners with the loss of so many of their players.

How is picking Zach Tom in round 4 a failure? How about Rasheed Walker in round 7? Getting a dependable LT in round 7 is unheard of. How about John Runyan in round 6? A dependable guard in round 6.

A good case can be made the the other teams in the division have indeed passed the Packers up but its not because Gute can't draft offensive lineman.

At this point the Packers don't have enough marquee players to win the big games. I've argued that those marquee players are on the roster. They need better coaching. We'll see. Maybe Hafley can make the difference if MFL can stop it with the bad decision making in the big games.

 

[OldSchool101]

The Packers have drafted 14 O-linemen since Gut took over in 2018. I don’t think they know how to draft O-line. If they did they wouldn’t be signing one, he should already be on the team. Contrary to popular opinion out there, I don’t think the Packers know how to build a good team in the NFL of today. Their own division rivals have all passed them up and I think they have a good chance of occupying the basement position at the end 2025. Having Aaron Rodgers as quarterback covered up their failures in the draft. The only thing that will save them is a fan revolt which I don’t see coming anytime soon. One of the disadvantages of having a diffuse style of ownership, but not inferior to egotistical forms of ownership. Good luck to the Niners with the loss of so many of their players.

@Wraith09. What? The Packers have drafted
Round 1 (1 selection that was lost to injury and not enough information)

2nd round: 1 Center Myers who played through his contract as a reliable starter. 1 OG Jenkins who is one of the better players at his position in the league and more versatile than many 2nd rounders.

3rd Round: 1 player Rhyan who is currently a starter at RG, but could get outplayed by the above day 1 pick

4th Round: 2 selections Tom, who is one of the best RT in the NFL. Royce Newman who was an upper grade backup and actually started for a season + at RG.

6th Round: 5 players. 1 which never showed up at no fault of the Packers. So really 4.
Stepaniak who fizzled,
Runyon jr who became a mainstay at RG and is still a starter outside of GB
Van Lanen who fizzled and
Glover who’s too new to tell (2024)

RD7 Walker who’s a Starting LT today


So essentially if you take out the self disqualified Center Cole and the ones too new to judge (2024) you have 8 players to adequately judge. 6 of those 8 either started multiple seasons or are current starters and would be on many teams.

So in short. That’s actually a pretty solid “B” grade on a “C” scale imo. I don’t give out “feel good” draft grades like some sites do post draft to pat everyone on the back I use a “C”average draft scale is middle of the league.

The only ones that didn’t work out are a smaller group of 2-3 later 6th rounders. Big whoop. How many teams out if 32 would you put ahead of GB drafting at OL since 2018 and which teams are they?