The Packers are in line to make a notable addition up front. Green Bay is expected to sign guard Aaron Banks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Providing terms on the arrangement, Rapoport notes the deal will be four years in length, adding it will be worth $77MM. After playing out his rookie pact with the 49ers, Banks was in position to be one of the top OL earners in 2025. He has certainly cashed in with a pact which will see the Packers make another major commitment along the interior.
Banks will earn $63MM over the first three years of the pact, Rapoport’s colleague Tom Pelissero adds. That confirms the 27-year-old’s status as one of the top blockers on the market this spring. Banks checked in at No. 21 on PFR’s Top 50 Free Agent list. Although Banks is going into his age-28 season, he is a former second-round pick who started for three seasons in San Francisco.
Starting 43 games since taking over at the 49ers’ left guard in 2022, Banks was a pivotal part of the O-line the powered Christian McCaffrey to a strong 2022 second half and elevated him to the 2023 rushing title. The Notre Dame alum also was present for Brock Purdy’s stunning rise from Mr. Irrelevant to late-season replacement to the first QB to average at least 9.6 yards per attempt over a full season since 1998.
One of several young guard starters in free agency, Banks’ three-year starter run presented fewer questions compared to some of his 2025 UFA peers. More effective as a run blocker, the 325-pound player did not grade out favorably (per Pro Football Focus) until last season. As just about everything else within the 49ers imploded, Banks ranked as PFF’s No. 33 overall guard. The Packers likely believe he submitted quality work before that point, but this contract illustrates the robust market the four-year vet garnered.
Banks will be set to start opposite Elgton Jenkins in 2025. The high-priced duo complements two rookie-contract tackles, in Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, so it will be interesting to see how a Packers team with Jordan Love on a $55MM-AAV deal proceeds with its tackle money soon. Both Walker and Tom are due for free agency in 2026.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.