On day 1 of NFL free agency, the Green Bay Packers signed Guard Aaron Banks. Banks, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, signed a four year deal worth up to $77 million dollars. This was the Packers splash signing of the 2025 free agency session. Spending big money on the offensive line was a bit of surprise to Packer fans. However, considering that the identity of the 2024 Green Bay Packers was the run game, it makes sense. Bringing in Aaron Banks made it clear that the Packers want to dominate the line scrimmage, especially when it comes to running the football.
Green Bay opted to sign Banks instead of retaining Center Josh Myers, who signed a one year deal with the New York Jets worth up to $3.5 million dollars. Last season, Myers was the Packers worst running block offensive lineman. The Packers appreciated and valued Myers leadership. He was a beloved teammate but ultimately, Green Bay decided that it was time to upgrade. Banks is known for his run blocking ability, especially as a pulling guard. He is extraordinary in open space.
Per PPF, Banks ranked 37th out of 135 guards with a 68.6 run blocking grade in 2024. Meanwhile, Josh Myers was given a 52.2 run blocking grade by PFF which is 54th out of 64 centers. Banks is an upgrade over Myers. LaFleur has always preferred to be a run first team. It was clear in 2024 that the Packers wanted to run the offense through RB Josh Jacobs. On top of that, an effective run game will certainly open things up for a healthy Jordan Love in 2025.
Aaron Banks Shakes Up the Packers Offensive Line
GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed this week at the NFL Meetings in South Florida that the team will move Elgton Jenkins to center. Additionally, Head Coach Matt LaFleur told the media that the team plans to give 2024 first round pick, Jordan Morgan, the opportunity to compete with Tackle Rasheed Walker for the starting the left tackle position. The Packers seem to be set on starting Aaron Banks at LG, Elgton Jenkins at C, and Sean Rhyan at RG. It is no secret that Green Bay wants their interior offensive line to be large, agile players.
Banks weighs 325 lbs. Sean Rhyan weighs 321 lbs and Elton Jenkins weighs 311 lbs. That is a massive interior offensive line that will not be easy to move for opposing defensive linemen. With those three linemen and a strong, contact driven running back like Josh Jacobs, it is evident that Green Bay plans to wear opposing defenses down. A strong running attack plays right into LaFleur’s desire to control the time of possession. It will also open up the play action attack which is a staple in LaFleur’s offense.
It was clear that once Elgton Jenkins went down in the playoff game against the Eagles, the offensive line depth was a serious problem. The offense really stalled with Kadeem Telfort and Travis Glover. Adding an experienced guard should bolster the offensive line but do not expect the Packers to stop there. Expect Green Bay to select an offensive lineman, possibly two in the upcoming draft. It is clear that Green Bay wants a strong, deep offensive line, especially one that can dominate the run game. Aaron Banks perfectly fits that mold.
