The reality about Aaron Banks' performance with the 49ers and why the Packers are betting on him with a big deal in free agency
The Green Bay Packers signed a player from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. So nothing is better than getting the perspective from an analyst who covers both teams. Rich Madrid does X's and O's at the Acme Packing Company, and also writes for Niners Nation. On Monday, the Packers agreed to sign former […]
The Green Bay Packers signed a player from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. So nothing is better than getting the perspective from an analyst who covers both teams. Rich Madrid does X's and O's at the Acme Packing Company, and also writes for Niners Nation.
On Monday, the Packers agreed to sign former 49ers guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract. The deal has $27 million in full guarantees, but since it's highly unlikely that Green Bay would move on after only one season, Banks will realistically make at least $47.5 million in two years.
It's a huge investment for a guard, especially a former high pick who hasn't lived up to his draft status in the NFL.
The Packers have a plan that probably involves testing Jordan Morgan at left tackle and allowing Rasheed Walker to leave in free agency next season. But for now, let's evaluate how Aaron Banks plays and what he brings to the table.
A to Z Sports – He gave up one sack in two years. Is this a fair representation of his performance?
Rich Madrid – While he gave up one sack in two seasons, I don't think this represents his performance overall. He's been an average guard, one of the team leaders in blown block rate and out of 200 qualifying offensive linemen, ranked 153rd in that stat per Sports Info Solutions, and was tied for second in highest pressure allowed on the 49ers offensive line. In fact, he's been one of the line leaders in pressure rate given up for the 49ers' offensive line the last three seasons.
A to Z – What does he do better?
Rich – Relative to his pass blocking performance, he's been a better run blocker and is more fluid moving in space. The tandem of Trent Williams and Aaron Banks on the left side of the offensive line enticed the 49ers to run left more than right. In the last two seasons, the 49ers averaged 5.2 yards per carry over the left side. Over the right side, they averaged 4.7 per carry.
A to Z – Why are the 49ers letting him walk?
Rich – They're letting him walk because they don't want to overpay for average performances and when they can draft a 4th- or 5th-round guard who they can probably insert right away like they did with Dominick Puni. Chris Forester is one of the best offensive line developers in the NFL, so they probably feel they can replace Banks with a quality draft pick or with Spencer Burford, who lost his job to Puni, but played exceptionally well when he replaced Banks a few times last season.
A to Z – His play got worse after Trent Williams got injured. Do you think Williams masked some of his weaknesses more than you would like?
Rich –I think Williams did mask a lot of his issues. His player grades plummeted when Williams was lost for the season. There's some correlation there. His pass- and run-blocking performances in terms of pressures allowed and blown blocks ticked up a bit as defenses didn't have to account for Trent Williams on the perimeter, suggesting he'll need strong tackle play next to him in Green Bay in 2025, which they might get from Jordan Morgan.
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