One year after the Green Bay Packers invested heavily in Aaron Banks with a four-year, $77 million contract to improve their offensive line, the team is now expected to release Elgton Jenkins before the NFL’s new league year begins on March 11. This anticipated move, reported by SI’s Bill Huber, aims to free up $19.5 million in salary cap space to strengthen other roster areas, but it also significantly increases the scrutiny on Banks as the Packers’ key offensive lineman moving forward.
The signing of Banks disrupted the offensive line’s dynamics, shifting Jenkins from his established position of left guard to center. However, Banks’ performance has drawn criticism, leading to questions about whether the Packers’ strategy in reshuffling their line has backfired.
Evaluating Banks’ Performance Amid Jenkins’ Decline
Aaron Banks’ first season with the Packers fell short of expectations, sparking frustration among fans and analysts. Pro Football Focus data reveals Banks’ last strong performance was with the San Francisco 49ers, where he posted a 65.4 overall grade while allowing 25 pressures and one sack across 447 pass-blocking snaps. His move to Green Bay came with a large contract, making him the NFL’s fifth-highest paid left guard last season, just ahead of Jenkins who made $17 million annually.
However, Banks struggled significantly in Green Bay, posting only a 55.6 overall grade on 817 snaps, conceding 29 pressures and two sacks on 460 pass-blocking plays, and battling injuries which hampered consistency. Meanwhile, Jenkins endured his worst campaign despite moving to center, recording a 62.0 overall grade with 10 pressures allowed over 293 pass-blocking snaps and two sacks before a season-ending leg injury in November.
The decision to sign Banks and reposition Jenkins appears to have weakened the offensive line overall, culminating in Jenkins’ expected release and intensified scrutiny on Banks’ ability to carry the line’s performance in 2024.
Financial and Strategic Implications of Jenkins’ Expected Departure
Once Jenkins is officially released, Banks will receive a $9.5 million roster bonus early in the new league year, becoming the Packers’ second-highest paid offensive lineman behind Zach Tom, who carries a $22 million average annual value. Unless the Packers re-sign free agent offensive tackle Rasheed Walker or acquire a notable player such as Tyler Linderbaum, Banks will remain a critical figure on the offensive line.
With potentially three new starters joining the offensive line this season, Banks may serve as one of the few constants in the group, emphasizing the importance of his on-field improvement. Failure to elevate his performance could trigger difficult roster decisions, especially since another $9.5 million roster bonus looms in 2027, which might force the Packers to reconsider his contract if he does not improve.
The Broader Impact of Banks’ Performance on Packers’ Line Stability
The Packers’ lineup adjustment, moving a two-time Pro Bowl guard like Jenkins to accommodate Banks, raises expectations that Banks must now fulfill. If Banks does not meet this challenge, scrutiny of his contract will intensify, potentially branding the original signing as a miscalculation by the Packers’ front office. This development carries significant ramifications for the team’s roster planning, particularly as they navigate free agency and draft preparations for the upcoming season.
“If that’s not enough to motivate Banks, he has another $9.5 million roster bonus due on the third year of the 2027 season, which could lead to his release if he doesn’t rebound next fall.” – Bill Huber, Sports Illustrated
“Banks must play better in his second year in Green Bay. The Packers could have three new starters on the offensive line compared to the Week 1 lineup from last season and Banks will be one of the few signs of continuity.” – Bill Huber, Sports Illustrated
As the Packers move forward, Aaron Banks will face intense pressure to justify his contract and lead the offensive line’s revitalization, while the loss of Jenkins signals a pivotal transition period for Green Bay’s front wall.
