The 2025 Free agent class had some big names, expected to contribute to the Packers roster.
Headlined by Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs, last years class of Free agents didn’t quite live up to the exceptions that the organization wanted.
The signings were in hopes that they could help the team improve on the offensive line and defensive back field.
The previous class showed the Packers that they could dip into the free agent pool and get results.
Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs showed that you could get quality players in Free Agency.
But that can’t be said for the headliners of the 2025 Free Agent Class.
Aaron Banks
Heading into the 2025 offseason the Packers wanted to address what they thought was their biggest need, offensive line.
Aaron Banks was what the Packers thought they needed.
An offensive who was a starter on the 49ers, who is a physical presence on the field.
The Packers wanted to make a statement and make their offensive line better, signing Banks to a 4-year 77-million dollar contract.
A lot of people questions the signing as some said the contract was too much for an offensive guard.
Furthermore, it made Banks the 8th most high paid guard in the NFL.
A lot for someone who didn’t even play a down in a Packers uniform.
Banks’ performance on the field though didn’t match the contract given to him.
Instead Banks struggled with injuries at the begining of the season.
Banks struggled in pass protection allowing 29 pressures and two sacks on 460 pass-blocking targets while committing four penalties.
He also struggled in run blocking as Pro Football talk graded his performance in 2025 at 49.7.
Final Grade for 2025
I would give Banks a C-, while he did improve at the end of the year, it isn’t what the Packers were hoping for from Banks.
There have been rumors of moving on from Banks, this offseason.
But I see the Packers retaining Banks and giving him one more shot before making a decision on him.
Nate Hobbs
After the release of Jaire Alexander the Packers were looking for some help at a very thin Cornerback position.
The Packers were hoping signing Hobbs to a 4-year, 48 million dollar contract would be the anwser.
Instead, Hobbs struggled from the start of training camp battling injuries.
By the time the season started and Hobbs was on the field, he struggled.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hobbs allowed 17 catches for 239 yards and two touchdowns.
Hobbs also only had two pass breakups and three penalties on 25 targets.
By the time the season ended, Hobbs was back on injured reserve and lost his job to Carrington Valentine.
While Hobbs struggled playing on the outside, he did do better playing at his natural slot position.
Hobbs only allowed 0.92 yards on 64 coverage snaps in the slot last year.
But that is not why the Packers signed Hobbs.
At the price the Packers signed Hobbs, they fully expected him to be at least a starting corner.
Final Grade for 2025
I would give Hobbs a D+.
While it is understandable that injuries hampered his performance, the Packers needed someone to step up in the cornerback room.
Unfortunately Hobbs didn’t do that.
While Hobbs vowed he would be better in 2026, this could be his only season in Green Bay.
I don’t see the Packers continuing with Hobbs in 2026, as there are better options both at CB 2 and slot corner for a lower price.
Conclusion
The 2025 Free Agent Class could be classified as a fail.
Unlike the 2024 free agent class that provided the Packers with 2 starters on offensive and defense, the 2025 Free agent class didn’t provide that.
Instead the Packers sit with limited cap space to make off-season signings because of the investment of last years free agent class.
Brian Gutekunst has been great at signing free agents when needed and he took a big risk last year.
Unfortunately so far they haven’t panned out.
The Packers could chose to give both Hobbs and Banks a second chance.
But it will be a while before the Packers make a big splash like this in Free Agency again.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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