The San Francisco 49ers saw several players from last year’s squad leave the Bay Area in free agency last month, landing new opportunities with different teams across the NFL.
Many of these former Niners got big paydays from their new teams, putting them in positions to be starters in 2025. However, their new teams may want to proceed cautiously, as a few of these players might struggle to live up to their contracts in Year 1.
Veteran offensive lineman Aaron Banks received the largest contract among the ex-Niners in free agency, signing a massive four-year, $77 million pact with the Green Bay Packers. Star cornerback Charvarius Ward was behind Banks, inking a three-year, $54 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Below, we’ll highlight a few former Niners who might struggle with their new teams after cashing out in free agency.
1. Aaron Banks, Offensive Guard
The Packers are banking on Banks’ upside and potential after signing him to a four-year deal to kick off free agency. According to Spotrac.com, the 27-year-old’s contract value with Green Bay ($77M) puts him with guards Joe Thuney, Quenton Nelson, Landon Dickerson, Will Fries, Robert Hunt, and Chris Lindstrom.
The Packers would love for Banks to develop into a Pro Bowl or All-Pro lineman at left guard as he’s taking over for Elgton Jenkins, who is moving over to center for the departed Josh Myers, who joined the New York Jets.
Green Bay is taking a gamble, moving Jenkins, who has established himself as a Pro Bowler at the position for Banks, who hasn’t been named to a Pro Bowl. However, the 27-year-old lineman has started in 43 out of 51 possible games over the last few years.
Last season with the 49ers, Banks started in 13 games, only missing four games because of a concussion and a season-ending MCL injury. The Packers hope Banks can stay healthy, as he’ll be a key part of Green Bay’s offensive scheme.
According to Pro Football Focus, the veteran lineman wasn’t the best in pass protection, with a 60.5 grade (77th among 135 eligible guards) in 2024. However, Banks allowed one sack but was penalized five times in 775 offensive snaps.
Meanwhile, Jenkins had an 83.1 pass-blocking grade (third among 135 eligible guards) last season. However, the former 49ers lineman is a slightly better run blocker (68.9) than Jenkins (61.2). Given Banks’ price tag, San Francisco was okay with letting him walk as they have Ben Bartch ready to take over.