The Green Bay Packers spent $77 million on Aaron Banks in free agency, and that move was part of a broader philosophical shift. Green Bay has made a conscious effort to add bigger, sturdier bodies along the interior — a roster-building approach similar to what the Los Angeles Rams adopted in recent years.

Banks went on to allow five pressures, four hurries, and one sack in his first five starts with the Green and Gold. He also posted a 12.1 pass-blocking grade against the Cleveland Browns.

However, he missed the Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders with a groin injury and the Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys due to an ankle injury, making it harder for him to find any early-season rhythm. He was also listed as questionable to play in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals with the same groin issue, but he ultimately suited up and played.

His worst game of the season came against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he allowed six pressures, four hurries, and two hits on Jordan Love. Moreover, his run-blocking grade ranked 62nd among all guards in Week 10.

However, Aaron Banks has notably improved over the last two weeks.

He recorded his best run-blocking grade of the season against the New York Giants in Week 11, along with his second-highest pass-blocking grade of the year. Banks also allowed only two pressures over 33 pass-blocking snaps.

That’s especially impressive given that New York’s defensive front is loaded with talent, including Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter. Furthermore, Banks finished the game as Green Bay’s second-highest-graded player, trailing only Jordan Love. Banks followed that performance by allowing just one pressure on 26 pass-blocking snaps against the Minnesota Vikings, who blitzed Love on 20 of his 24 dropbacks.

Banks’ improved health is a major reason for his improved play. However, another factor contributing to his recent jump might be how the Packers have handled his practice weeks.

For the last two weeks, the Packers have given Banks a rest day on Friday. It’s a minor adjustment, but it seems to be paying off. He looks fresher, more balanced, and more consistent on Sundays. Sometimes managing a player’s workload is just as important as anything that happens on the field.

“Obviously, the beginning of the year, banged up, all the groins, backs, things that he had, and I think every game he’s played he’s looked better and better and better, and I think this game was no different,” Packers’ offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said about Banks in late October. “He had his best game here (in Pittsburgh), and I thought he did a really nice job. He’s doing a good job, kind of being the enforcer out there, plays with physicality, so it’s been good.”

Green Bay needs its investment in Aaron Banks to pay off. He was an average starter at best during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, and, while the market is the market, it doesn’t change the reality that the Packers likely overpaid. Given how much he’s making, Green Bay shouldn’t expect anything less than for Banks to grow into one of the cornerstones of their offensive line. The hope is that as he continues to get healthier, he can start showing why they invested so heavily in him.