Packers Could Move Pro Bowler to New Role After $77 Million Signing

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Packers Make Bold Move: Sign Aaron Banks to $77M Deal, Hint at Elgton Jenkins Position Switch

The Green Bay Packers made a major splash on the first day of 2025 free agency, securing former 49ers guard Aaron Banks on a four-year, $77 million contract. The move adds veteran protection for Jordan Love, but it could also signal a big shift on the offensive line.

Did the Packers Just Find Their New Center?

With Banks locked in at left guard, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky speculates that Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins may be moving to center to accommodate the new addition.

🗣️ “Given that Banks played almost exclusively at left guard, that could be an indication of a plan to move Jenkins to center,” Demovsky wrote.

Jenkins has experience at center, playing:
✔️ 297 snaps at the position in 2020
✔️ Starting at center in Week 9 of 2024 vs. Detroit
✔️ Filling in across the offensive line throughout his career

With Josh Myers likely leaving in free agency, shifting Jenkins inside could be the Packers’ best move to maintain stability and strength up front.

Did Green Bay Overpay for Banks?

While Banks has been a strong pass-blocker, allowing just three sacks on nearly 1,700 snaps, the Packers made him one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL:

💰 $19.25M per year—4th among left guards
💰 $77M total contract—7th among all guards
💰 Jenkins earns less at $17M per year

Durability Concerns Loom

Banks’ injury history raises some red flags, as he:
🚑 Missed six games over the last two seasons
🚑 Suffered a concussion vs. Packers in 2024
🚑 Ended 2024 season with an MCL injury

Green Bay will likely do their due diligence on his health, but paying top dollar for an injury-prone lineman is always a calculated risk.

Final Take: Smart Signing or Risky Gamble?

🔍 If Banks stays healthy, he could be a valuable addition to an already solid O-line. But with his contract exceeding Jenkins’ salary, and his injury concerns, the Packers are taking a big swing on their interior protection.