The Green Bay Packers kicking off free agency by overpaying Aaron Banks left fans confused. Now, the move looks even more puzzling.
Not only did Green Bay tie up $77 million across four seasons to sign Banks, but the decision may now cost them a draft pick.
Over The Cap projected which teams will receive compensatory draft picks in 2026 — the Packers' Banks signing all but wipes out any shot at landing a bonus selection. Green Bay lost T.J. Slaton and Eric Stokes in free agency, which could've netted picks in the sixth and seventh rounds had the team not signed Banks and Nate Hobbs.
San Francisco, meanwhile, is projected to receive a fourth-rounder for losing Banks.
The Packers love compensatory draft picks, but their free agency spending likely ends any hopes of netting any in 2026.
Signing Aaron Banks to a $77 million deal will likely cost Packers a draft pick
Banks will improve the Packers' offensive line. With him taking the left guard spot and Elgton Jenkins sliding to center, the starting five is undoubtedly better.
But at what cost? According to Over The Cap, Banks' cap hit is a reasonable $9.03 million this year but sharply rises to $24.86 million in 2026 and remains north of $20 million for the following two seasons.
The Packers are paying top-of-the-market money, but Banks hasn't proven he can live up to that contract.
His overall Pro Football Focus grade ranked 50th among 136 guards last season. He finished 77th in pass blocking and 39th in run blocking — underwhelming, to say the least.
Green Bay drafted Anthony Belton in the second round, who could eventually start at tackle or guard. Would the Packers be worse off with Jordan Morgan and Sean Rhyan at the two guard positions while Belton develops? Signing Banks will leave at least one of the Packers' high draft picks on the bench.
Run blocking is Banks' strength, and his arrival should help the rushing attack, especially as the Packers leaned more into the ground game with Josh Jacobs last season. Banks is a solid starter and can undoubtedly help this offense.
However, considering that Mekhi Becton, Kevin Zeitler, and James Daniels signed deals worth $10 million or less per year, it's fair to assume the Packers misread the guard market by handing Banks a $19.25 million salary.
The move not only hurts the Packers' salary cap, but it will also likely cost them a draft pick.