Elgton Jenkins’ Contract Concerns: A Deep Dive into the Packers’ Offseason Drama
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The offseason is often a time for NFL teams to regroup, strategize, and prepare for the upcoming season. However, for the Green Bay Packers, this offseason has been marked by a notable absence: Elgton Jenkins. The two-time Pro Bowl left guard has been conspicuously missing from the team’s offseason workouts, and the reason behind it is as intriguing as it is complex.
Jenkins, who has been a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive line, is reportedly open to a position change to center. However, this willingness comes with a caveat: financial stability. According to multiple sources, Jenkins’ absence from the offseason workouts is tied to his desire for a more financially secure arrangement if he is to make the switch to center full-time.
Currently, Jenkins is in the midst of a four-year, $68 million contract extension he signed in December 2022. This contract was structured to compensate him as a guard and remain competitive if he transitioned to the higher-paid tackle position. With an average annual salary of $17 million, Jenkins would be among the highest-paid centers in the league. However, the crux of the issue lies in the fact that centers typically earn less than their guard or tackle counterparts, which raises concerns about Jenkins’ future earnings.
Jenkins’ contract runs through the 2026 season, with a scheduled salary of $12.8 million for this season and $20 million in 2026, when he will be 30 years old. The Packers, known for their reluctance to adjust contracts with more than a year remaining, might consider a compromise by guaranteeing some of the remaining $32.8 million on Jenkins’ deal. As it stands, the only guaranteed portion of his contract was his initial $24 million signing bonus.
The move to center was prompted by the Packers’ decision to sign free agent Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract to play left guard. Since then, the Packers have maintained that Jenkins was amenable to the position change, a sentiment echoed by offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich.
“I think he’s open to it,” Stenavich said. “The conversations that we’ve had with him, yeah, he’s got a lot of experience there and he was open to it, excited about it. So, ready to go.”
Despite these assurances, Jenkins’ absence from the offseason program has raised eyebrows. When asked if the position switch was the reason for Jenkins’ absence, Stenavich clarified, “No. He’s not here for other reasons than that.” Jenkins has already missed enough of the offseason program to forfeit his $500,000 workout bonus.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst also weighed in on the situation earlier this offseason. “We had plenty of conversations with Elgton leading up to it, and obviously he played center in college,” Gutekunst said. “We feel he’s got a chance to be an All-Pro center. We’ve talked about it a lot, how versatility plays into our offensive line, and having guys that can move to different spots. And Elgton’s one of those guys who can play all five spots, so he’s a luxury. I’m excited to see what he can do at center, as well.”
Jenkins, who has been a versatile player for the Packers since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft, has played every position on the offensive line. His ability to adapt and excel in various roles has made him an invaluable asset to the team. However, his current contract situation highlights the often complex interplay between player versatility, team needs, and financial considerations.
- Jenkins’ current contract: Four-year, $68 million extension
- Scheduled earnings: $12.8 million this season, $20 million in 2026
- Position change: From left guard to center
- Potential compromise: Guaranteeing some of the remaining $32.8 million
As the Packers navigate this offseason, the resolution of Jenkins’ contract situation will be a key storyline to watch. Will the team find a way to address Jenkins’ financial concerns while maintaining their strategic flexibility on the offensive line? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the outcome will have significant implications for both Jenkins and the Packers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Originally Written by: Rob Demovsky
