49ers Face Tough Decision as Aaron Banks Hits Free Agency

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco 49ers are likely to lose their starting left guard Aaron Banks as he prepares to enter free agency, expected to command a lucrative deal worth between $18 million and $20 million per season. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, while the 49ers may not be able to afford Banks, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings are in a position to pursue him.

“Banks should benefit from the tagging of Chiefs guard Trey Smith, and may be this year’s version of Robert Hunt, a solid interior lineman who cashes in big on the open market,” Breer stated.

The 49ers selected Banks, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2021, alongside high-profile quarterback Trey Lance. However, the team’s transition to a zone-read, RPO offense did not occur as anticipated. As a result, Banks has struggled with his fit in San Francisco’s offense, which places a heavy emphasis on outside-zone blocking.

The Vikings are particularly interested in strengthening their offensive line, as Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has acknowledged the need for improvement following a playoff loss where their offensive front was overwhelmed. O’Connell stated, “We need to be able to have a level of execution and a level of physicality that holds up over 17 games.”

Given that the Chiefs recently traded left guard Joe Thuney to the Bears, Banks could be a viable and cost-effective option to fill that position. On the other hand, the Vikings require offensive linemen adept in both pass protection and run blocking, as they aim to bolster their interior line.

Despite Banks’ potential as a premium free agent, concerns persist. He finished near the top of the leaderboard in blown blocks last season, raising red flags about his pass protection abilities. Nonetheless, the demand for quality offensive linemen poses a compelling scenario for the 49ers. If Banks secures a high-value contract elsewhere, San Francisco could benefit through compensatory picks in the upcoming NFL draft.

In light of the circumstances, the 49ers may seek to draft Banks’ successor in the second or third rounds. They will be looking for a quicker player who can adapt to their offensive scheme more effectively than Banks has been able to.

As the free agency window opens on March 12, teams are poised to make crucial moves to enhance their rosters, with Banks at the center of attention in the ongoing discussions.