Packers Overpay in Free Agency: During NFL free agency, Green Bay made a splash by signing Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs to huge salaries. Pro Football Focus (PFF) is among the numerous pundits who think the team may have overpaid for both players.
The Packers Make a Huge Offer to Nate Hobbs
Former Las Vegas Raiders player Hobbs was expected to get a one-year contract worth $4 million, according to PFF, and a one-year contract worth $2.85 million, according to Spotrac. “Packers Overpay in Free Agency”: The Packers surprised everyone by offering him a four-year contract for $48 million, with $16 million guaranteed.
Despite having skill, the 2021 fifth-round selection has suffered from injuries, missing 16 games over three seasons. His career-worst coverage statistics in 2024 cast doubt on his long-term dependability.
Aaron Banks’ Surprising Payday
Former San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks also cashed in, signing a four-year, $77 million contract, averaging $19.25 million per year. For context, PFF projected a four-year, $65 million deal, while Spotrac estimated a three-year, $29.15 million contract.
While Banks has been a solid starter, he’s never played a full 17-game season and has given up 96 pressures with 19 penalties over the past three years.
Did the Packers Overpay?
While these signings fill key needs, the contracts don’t compare well to last year’s free-agent class:
- Xavier McKinney, a proven safety, signed a four-year, $67 million contract with $23 million guaranteed.
- Josh Jacobs, a former NFL rushing champion, got four years, $48 million—the same deal as Hobbs.
Despite the criticism, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has a strong free-agent track record. In 2019, he landed Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, and Billy Turner, and in 2024, he secured McKinney and Jacobs.
“Every free agency class is different. This one doesn’t seem as strong, but we’ll see how it goes.” – Gutekunst
The Packers are betting big on these players. Time will tell if these investments pay off or if Green Bay overspent in a competitive market.
Source: Si
