The Green Bay Packers surprised everyone on the opening day of free agency. Not only did they sign a guard, which wasn't among their most pressing needs, but they also completely overpaid by handing Aaron Banks a four-year deal worth $77 million.
Now, that move looks even worse.
While replacing Josh Myers with Banks helps the offensive line improve, the Packers didn't get good value, especially with Myers signing a bargain prove-it deal. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New York Jets have signed Myers to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
That's it?!
Sure, Myers was an inconsistent player, and the Packers had the right idea to search for an upgrade. But on that deal? Green Bay should've made a similar offer and allowed him to compete for the center job. Brian Gutekunst could've then searched for interior offensive line help in April's draft.
Packers handing Aaron Banks $77 million looks even worse after Josh Myers signs a prove-it deal with Jets
Perhaps Myers wasn't interested in re-signing if he didn't have a guaranteed starting job. But nothing is certain on a $3.5 million deal. He will have to earn the starting job in New York.
It became apparent before free agency started that Green Bay had decided to move on from its former second-round pick.
While adding quality talent is never a bad idea, the Packers had options, even without signing a free agent. They could've had Elgton Jenkins slide to center and give Jordan Morgan an opportunity to start at left guard. They could've restocked their depth in the draft or looked for more affordable options in free agency.
They didn't need to break the bank (excuse the awful pun) for Banks, an above-average starting guard being paid top-10 money.
To Brian Gutekunst's credit, he has a strong track record of identifying offensive line talent. He deserves the benefit of the doubt to some degree. But this is less about the talent and more about the value. Based on the massive gulf between the two deals, it's hard to argue that paying Banks $77 million is a better use of resources than signing Myers for $3.5 million and drafting his competition.