GREEN BAY – The Packers signed former 49ers guard Aaron Banks in free agency.
Here are five things to know about Green Bay's new addition on the offensive line:
- He's been a three-year starter at left guard for San Francisco.
Banks has started a total of 49 games, including playoffs, over the past three seasons. His fewest starts in a season during that time was 13 last year, when he sat out two games due to a concussion and then missed the final two games of the season due to a knee injury.
He's played between 89% and 94% of the 49ers' offensive snaps over the last three seasons.
- The statistics say he's technically proficient.
Upon taking over as San Francisco's starting left guard in 2022, when the 49ers did not re-sign five-year starter Laken Tomlinson, Banks was called for five holding penalties. Since then, he's been flagged for holding just three times total over the last two seasons.
According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just one sack in 775 total snaps in 2024.
- His arrival could mean the Packers are moving one of their guards to center.
The Packers need to replace free agent departure Josh Myers at center, and Banks' arrival will help them do that. If Banks stays at left guard, his primary position with the 49ers, Elgton Jenkins could move to center. If the Packers move him to right guard, Sean Rhyan could be an option at center.
- He was the 11th offensive lineman chosen in the 2021 NFL Draft and went to his hometown team.
The 49ers selected Banks in the second round in '21 with the No. 48 overall pick, making him the 11th offensive lineman taken. He was chosen 14 picks before the Packers drafted Myers with the No. 62 overall selection.
A native of Alameda County, Calif., Banks grew up less than an hour from the 49ers' Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. At El Cerrito High School, Banks played on both the offensive and defensive lines, and was a center on the basketball team.
- He finished his college career at Notre Dame as an All-American.
Banks played in 38 games with 31 starts over the 2018-20 seasons at Notre Dame after not getting any game action as a true freshman in 2017. His college career ended with Notre Dame in the CFP semifinal and Banks earning first-team All-America honors from the Associated Press.
