Aaron Banks’ Second Season Gamble

Packers’ Miserable 2025 Recap

The 2025 season defined itself by late‑game collapses, leaving the Packers at 9‑8‑1 and the NFC’s No. 7 seed for the third straight year. Green Bay’s playoff run ended in a heartbreaking Wild Card loss to Chicago, squandering a 21‑3 halftime advantage and surrendering 25 points in the fourth quarter. Running back Josh Jacobs lamented the loss, noting that “No way you should lose games in this league when you’re up that much.” The turmoil extended beyond the playoffs; the club closed the year with five consecutive defeats and now sits on the NFL’s fourth‑longest losing streak.

Late‑game failures became a pattern. The Packers blew double‑digit leads twice against Chicago and once versus Cleveland, losing all three contests despite odds of roughly 1‑in‑250,000. Safety Javon Bullard expressed frustration, calling the collapse “damn‑near embarrassing.” The team’s inability to close out games has become a central storyline entering 2026.

Aaron Banks’ Under‑performing First Year

Green Bay signed left guard Aaron Banks to a four‑year, $77 million deal in March 2025, making him the sixth‑highest paid guard at the time. Injuries plagued his rookie season; a back strain early in camp, plus ankle/groin issues, forced him to miss Week 2 and Week 4. On the field, Banks posted modest protection numbers—two sacks allowed in 747 snaps, with just one sack after Week 3—but his overall performance lagged.

Pro Football Focus gave Banks an overall grade of 53.5, placing him 64th among 81 qualified guards. His pass‑blocking grade of 52.2 sits 68th, while his run‑blocking grade of 54.6 ranks 58th. He endured 27 pressures, three hits, and four penalties throughout the season, falling short of the elite play expected from a top‑paid guard.

Why the Packers Kept Him

Instead of moving on, the Packers handed Banks a $9.5 million roster bonus in March, securing his return for a second year. He now ranks seventh in average pay among guards at $19.25 million per season and carries a $12.003 million cap hit. General manager Brian Gutekunst and offensive line coach Luke Butkus expressed confidence that a healthier, more familiar Banks could become a cornerstone.

Butkus highlighted Banks’ work ethic: “He was banged up, he was in a new system… he’s going to come to work.” The guard himself noted increased comfort after a second year in the system, citing chemistry and trust among the line. The front office believes the player’s upside justifies the massive contract, but the pressure is on to deliver.

What It Means for the 2026 Campaign

For a team reeling from a disappointing 2025, the offensive line’s improvement is vital. If Banks can replicate the 2024 numbers that earned him a lucrative deal—39th in run blocking, 77th in pass blocking, 50th overall—the Packers’ ground game could see a significant boost. A healthier, more consistent guard would free up the backfield to execute the offense’s play‑calling without constant pressure.

The Packers’ upcoming camp opens July 29, and Banks will be a focal point of the unit’s rebuilding effort. Fans and analysts will watch whether his second‑year progress lives up to the massive investment or adds another footnote to Green Bay’s recent struggles. The entire franchise’s trajectory may hinge on whether the guard can turn his potential into reliable, game‑winning work.