Did Brian Gutekunst Make a Mistake Signing Aaron Banks?

Those quick losses from Banks are the same type of losses Packers fans are currently complaining about. I’m just here to deliver the sad news, and that is that those types of losses in pass protection have been on his tape for years now. Long story short, the pass protection is not looking good from Banks right now, and it shouldn’t really be all that surprising. 

While this level of pass blocking from Banks is about what I expected, what has surprised me is his run blocking. Banks was brought in to be a “people mover.” His size and ferocity at the position signaled a trend towards more downhill and powerful run schemes. I expected more duo run plays where he would punish and pancake linebackers at the second level with his size. But, that is sadly not at all what we have seen. 

I think Yoda could count on one hand the times Banks has really been able to get to the second level and move a linebacker this season. It has been rough so far. He’s been slow off the snap far too often and he just isn’t hitting his targets in the run game. I know the play below goes away from his side of the ball, but I still think it is a good example. 

It’s also notable and should be mentioned that Banks has yet to play a full game this season, and is currently listed as doubtful for this week’s matchup vs. the Cowboys. A lot left to be desired from Aaron Banks so far in 2025. 

While there is significant cause for concern, I wouldn’t bury him yet. Banks has always been an up and down player. Last year in San Francisco he had a great start to the season. He looked like a pro bowl player at times, but then an injury slowed him down and he had a really tough finish to the season. 

Maybe this year will be the mirror opposite for Banks. Significant lower extremity injuries have slowed Banks early this season, and he badly needs the upcoming bye week. Two weeks off to heal and rehab could fuel a healthier and more effective return after the bye week. 

I’d also remind you that Banks, Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker all missed chunks of training camp at different times. These three guys on the left side of the line have barely played together. Expect them to get better as their cohesiveness improves. It surely can’t get any worse than it was in Cleveland! 

I sincerely hope that Brian Gutekunst is vindicated, and Banks rounds into form. The Green Bay Packers badly need that to happen. But, at this point I have my doubts. I didn’t love the signing at the time and I still struggle with it now. Banks is an imperfect player, and 19.75 million/year is a lot to pay for that type of player. Especially when there probably weren’t any other NFL teams competing for him at that price. For this reason, I’d say the signing was a rare mistake by Brian Gutekunst. 

That being said, it is way too early to come to a real conclusion. There is still a lot of season left, and this group is just barely starting to gel together. I’m choosing to tell myself that it can only go up from here! Which is mostly true! If I am wrong, well then let’s all be glad that the Packers have a potential out written into Banks’ contract after the 2025 season.