Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst made two big moves in free agency a year ago. He addressed the team’s big need at safety by signing Xavier McKinney. He also signed running back Josh Jacobs. Both players had outstanding first seasons in Green Bay. This season, the Packers signed guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. Can Gute hit on these free agents? The Packers will need these two new players to contribute to improve in 2025.

McKinney earned All Pro recognition in his first season with the Packers. He intercepted a pass in each of his first five games last season and finished the season with eight picks overall.

By midseason, McKinney was playing so well many opposing quarterbacks and coaches didn’t test the Packers deep over the middle of the field out of respect for McKinney. The former Alabama star also provided leadership for the Packers defense and a hunger to win after struggling through his time with the New York Giants.

Meanwhile, Jacobs replaced Aaron Jones and gave the Packers a reliable, workhorse back. He played all 17 games for the Packers and gained 1,329 rushing yards and ran for 15 touchdowns. Jacobs also earned Pro Bowl honors for his performance.

The former Raiders star excelled at running between the tackles and making potential tacklers miss in close quarters. When quarterback Jordan Love suffered a knee injury in Week 1, head coach Matt LaFleur adjusted the offense to run through Jacobs.

Jacobs also provided leadership for the Packers. He also made the rounds at the Super Bowl to speak to the media about adding an impact wide receiver to the roster. Two months later, the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round of the draft for the first time in more than two decades when they added Matthew Golden.

This year, Gutekunst didn’t take as big a swing in free agency as he did a year ago. But that doesn’t mean the two new players can’t be successful additions to the Packers lineup.

Aaron Banks gives the Packers a 6’5”, 325-pound road grater at left guard. His strength is physical run blocking, and he should be able to help open up holes for Jacobs and the other Packers running backs. Hopefully, he will also add consistent pass protection for Love.

Banks has started for the last three seasons for the 49ers. While he never made the Pro Bowl, he fits the style of offense the Packers want to play. His acquisition also allows the Packers to move Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center to replace the departed and inconsistent Josh Myers.

Meanwhile, Hobbs’ importance to the Packers defense increased after the team released Jaire Alexander. The former Illinois star has been a starter for most of his four seasons with the Raiders. He has primarily played the slot but can also play on the boundary.

Hobbs only has three career interceptions in four seasons, so he is not a ball hawk. According to pro-football-reference.com, Hobbs enjoyed his best season in coverage in 2024. Opposing quarterbacks completed 64.7 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Hobbs last season and had a quarterback rating of 87.2. Both marks were career bests.

The Packers will need Hobbs, Keisean Nixson, Carrington Valentine and Javon Bullard to pick up the slack caused by Alexander’s departure. The Packers hope they have enough talent and depth at cornerback to contend for a Super Bowl. Hobbs will play a key role in that equation.

The Packers may not have aimed as high in free agency this offseason as compared to last year. But if both Banks and Hobbs make positive contributions to the team and become solid starters, this year’s dip into free agency will be considered a success. Both players are expected to be important contributors for the Packers in 2025.