Pro Football Rumors
Year 2 of Jordan Love’s tenure atop the Packers’ quarterback depth chart produced another playoff berth amidst a strong showing against several middling and subpar opponents. On the other hand, Green Bay went a combined 0-6 between the regular and postseason against the Eagles, Lions and Vikings. Even a season of double-digit wins thus demonstrated the need for further improvement.
By and large, the past several months have been quiet for the Packers. Beyond some big-ticket free agency additions, few major roster changes have taken place in anticipation of the 2025 campaign — one when the NFC North should again be very strong. If the team is to emerge as one of the league’s true heavyweights, a number of familiar faces will be relied on this year.
Last spring, the Packers made a pair of major splashes on the open market. The investments made in safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs proved worthwhile in Year 1, with both players receiving a Pro Bowl invitation and McKinney landing a first-team All-Pro nod. General manager Brian Gutekunst noted in February, however, that 2025 would not feature as many big swings in free agency.
Indeed, only two notable new faces arrived as part of this year’s class. Banks was not a factor during his rookie campaign in San Francisco, but the following three seasons saw him operate as a full-time starter. The former second-rounder avoided major injury over that span, playing a key role in the 49ers’ offense and playing his way out of a second deal with the team. San Francisco had a number of other financial priorities, leaving Banks (PFR’s No. 21 free agent) as one of the best interior blockers available this spring.
As expected, Banks departed the Bay Area early in free agency. The Notre Dame product secured an AAV of $19.25MM, a figure which ranked fifth for guards at the time (Trey Smith has since replaced his franchise tag with a market-topping Chiefs extension). Expectations will certainly be high for Banks as a result; he will replace Elgton Jenkins at the left guard spot for the foreseeable future.
Set to turn 28 in September, Banks has not drawn standout evaluations from Pro Football Focus to date in his career. Pass protection in particular has been an issue, although 2024 marked his best campaign in terms of run blocking grade and overall evaluation. Still, Banks has finished no better than 33rd amongst guards so far. Banks’...
