When the new NFL year started March 12, the Green Bay Packers again followed the trend of filling holes but staying somewhat quiet.
This offseason, general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Packers front office did not make any splash signings or trades, but instead they opted to upgrade some of the team’s deficiencies from last season.
The first player Green Bay signed was offensive lineman Aaron Banks, who played his first five seasons in the NFL in San Francisco. Banks spent a majority of his time with the 49ers playing the guard position. He is expected to once again play guard in Green Bay.
With the departure of Josh Myers, who played the center position last season, signing Banks allows the Packers some flexibility on the offensive line. Elgton Jenkins, who primarily played the left guard position in his career, is now expected to shift to center and Banks will fill in at guard.
Overall, signing Banks gives the Packers an option to retool the offensive line. At a four-year, $77 million deal, on the surface it may look like Green Bay slightly overpaid for him. But as Green Bay looks to compete while still rolling with Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs and the receiving corps, getting a proven starter at a very important position is not a bad option.
“We have talked a lot about how versatility plays into our offensive line,” said Gutekunst. “(Banks) is a really large man that can do all of the things that Matt (LaFleur) asks those guys to do in our scheme, as far as his ability to get off of the ball quickly and get out into space and really run. His ability to play physical in the run game and anchor down in pass protection is – he has played at a really high level for years now and to get a guy like that in the prime of his career is something that I thought would really benefit us.”
After Banks, Green Bay addressed its defense, looking to add some depth to the secondary. It is no secret that after the injury to Jaire Alexander last season, the Packers needed help in the defensive back room. Among a few defensive backs leaving in free agency, Gutekunst dipped into the Las Vegas Raiders free agents and signed Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million deal.
“I think Green Bay is a special place,” said Hobbs, on what attracted him to the Packers. “I think Green Bay is a place that a lot of players have transformed, you know. They go from a good player to a great player to a hall of fame player to better men. Everybody that I have spoken to has said that it is a special place, so I want to be a part of a special place.”
Assuming Alexander is not with the team next season, it seems likely that Keisean Nixon moves to the outside, leaving a hole to fill in the slot. Similar to Banks on the offensive line, bringing Hobbs in gives the Packers flexibility to move defensive backs all around the secondary. During his time in Las Vegas, Hobbs lined up primarily on the inside. That flexibility is a major reason why he was signed to Green Bay, according to Gutekunst.
“We just really thought he is a really versatile, all-around corner that can do everything,” said Gutekunst. “We really like his ability to play on the outside, which he has not done a ton of, but then the ability to move him inside to match different receivers. And then his play style – I think that is one of the things that really stood out to us, and we are really excited to see what he is going to do for us this year.”
The last major free agent signing for Green Bay that came from outside of the organization was wide receiver Mecole Hardman. In his six-year career, Hardman has played with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, winning three Super Bowls.
It is no secret that Green Bay is in desperate need of playmakers to add to Love’s arsenal, and in that need is a player who can use his speed to stretch opposing defenses. With the future of Christian Watson up in the air, due to injuries and inconsistent play, that field-stretching role seems to be voided heading into the 2025-26 season. Hardman, who has been known for his speed during his time in the NFL, figures to fill that hole, giving Love and the offense another weapon.
With Nixon seemingly taking on a larger role on the defensive side of the ball, another hole that Hardman has the opportunity to fill is in the return game. During his time in the NFL, Hardman has shown a penchant for returning balls, recording 1,892 career return yards and two touchdowns.
“He is a little more experienced in the punt return game than the kick return game, but he can do both,” said Gutekunst. “He obviously adds an element of speed to our football team. He has been in big games and has played well in big games. He has been hampered by some injuries along the way, but I think when he is healthy, he is certainly an impactful player.”
Green Bay signed Hardman to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
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