It took only one year for the San Francisco 49ers to be vindicated for not re-signing or extending their three-year starting left guard, Aaron Banks, who subsequently cashed in on a whopping four-year contract with the Green Bay Packers in 2025, one worth up to $77 million.
The Niners' Round 2 pick from the 2021 NFL Draft was banged up for most of his first year in Green Bay, ultimately playing 15 games but falling well short of expectations.
In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked Banks 64th out of 81 qualifying guards, suggesting San Francisco actually upgraded by opting not to spend money on him (assuming those efforts would have been the same in the Bay Area).
Even though the 49ers still have an open-ended question at left guard heading into 2026, they can take comfort—and laugh at a longtime rival—in knowing that Banks' second season in Green Bay isn't exactly off to a good start.
Aaron Banks already dealing with injury at Packers camp
Banks opened up Packers training camp by being placed on the active/physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, which wouldn't necessarily be a horrible thing, as players can come off that list at any time during camp.
But, in light of his previous injuries that lingered into the offseason, it's a worrying development. At least from Green Bay's perspective.
Perhaps that's why the Packers used a fifth-round draft pick on offensive lineman Jager Burton, who figures to be a primary go-to with Banks sidelined.
But, even if Burton impresses, Green Bay effectively handcuffed itself to Banks for the long haul.
49ers can smirk at Packers' mistake with Aaron Banks
The Packers opted to restructure Banks' contract during the offseason by tacking on two void years to the end of the deal, and while that'll lessen his cap hit for 2026, it'll also make it much tougher to get completely out from under his contract until 2028 at the earliest. And even that would cost Green Bay $26.29 in dead money against just $7.6 million in cap savings.
Indeed, the Niners can feel pretty good they didn't bother getting into a bidding war over Banks' services a year ago.
Plus, considering the Packers may be opening themselves up to a situation where Banks loses a starting gig to an upstart rookie, it's even more of a laughable situation from San Francisco's vantage point.
True, the 49ers don't have a solid answer at left guard entering 2026 either.
But at least they're not forking out $77 million to figure that problem out.
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