Report: Aaron Banks is Leaving the 49ers for the Packers

Aaron Banks got paid handsomely by the Packers. There was no way the 49ers were coming close to it.

Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks (center) blocks against Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (left) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Boy, the 49ers made a great decision in letting Aaron Banks walk in free agency.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Banks is signing a four-year, $77 million deal with the Packers. It's unclear what the guarantees are, but Banks got paid handsomely.

It’s a 4-year, $77M deal. 💰 https://t.co/JhXekpHMIO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025

The 49ers were never coming close to a deal like that for Banks. I'd argue that the Packers overpaid him by a wide margin, but that is what free agency is all about.

Banks had the worst year of his career in 2024. His pass blocking was inconsistent and his run blocking was atrocious.

He would finish the season on Injured Reserve due to an MCL injury. Letting him walk in free agency was a no-brainer for the 49ers.

This is the second time they have let their starting left guard leave after a decent tenure. The first player was Laken Tomlinson, who the 49ers replaced with Banks.

Now, the 49ers are back to figuring out who they will start at left guard. Finding a starting guard isn't difficult as it is one of the most interchangeable positions in football.

Ben Bartch will get the nod to be the starter with the 49ers potentially adding another in the draft. The 49ers signed Bartch to a one-year extension in late February.