The Green Bay Packers are staring down a critical offseason when it comes to their offensive line - and center is right at the heart of the issue.
What was once a consistent strength for Green Bay turned into a liability in 2025. Injuries, inconsistent play, and some questionable personnel fits turned the line into one of the team’s weakest units. Andy Herman’s grading system had them dead last among Packers position groups, and Pro Football Focus saw a similar slide - from sixth-best in 2024 all the way down to 19th last season.
Fixing the entire line won’t be easy, but the center position is where the spotlight is brightest. As of now, the Packers have three in-house options - but only one is under contract beyond March. That means Green Bay faces a decision: stick with what they’ve got, or look outside the building for answers?
Let’s start with the recent history. Josh Myers, the team’s former starting center, was a favorite of the coaching staff, but his on-field performance told a different story. He was the weak link in 2024 and ultimately walked in free agency - not because of cost, but because the Packers were ready to move on.
That move set off a chain reaction. Green Bay signed left guard Aaron Banks to a big-money deal, which pushed Elgton Jenkins to center - a position many had long speculated might be his best fit.
But the transition didn’t go smoothly. Jenkins never quite settled in, and the line only began to stabilize after he landed on injured reserve and Sean Rhyan slid into the center spot.
Rhyan wasn’t perfect - his PFF grades weren’t eye-popping - but the line looked better with him anchoring it. Especially in the run game, where the group found more rhythm and push. Rhyan brought a level of physicality and familiarity that helped the unit function, even as injuries and shuffling continued around him.
But here’s the catch: Rhyan is headed for free agency in March.
Spotrac projects his next deal to land around $6.5 million per year - not outrageous money, but enough to put him in the conversation with some of the league’s top-10 centers. And if a team sees him more as a guard, that number could climb even higher.
Interior linemen don’t make tackle money - not yet - but the gap is shrinking. Just look at Banks, who’s pulling in $19.25 million annually despite being a solid, not elite, player.
So what does that mean for Green Bay? If Rhyan’s market doesn’t explode, he could - and arguably should - be one of the team’s top priorities.
He knows the system, can play multiple spots, and helped settle the line during a chaotic season. With Elgton Jenkins carrying a cap hit north of $24 million, coming off injury, and turning 31 this year, it’s hard to see him sticking around.
Especially when Rhyan graded out better and would come at a much lower cost.
In fact, it’s entirely possible Jenkins becomes a cap casualty this offseason. If that happens - and Rhyan walks - who’s left?
Enter Jacob Monk.
The former fifth-round pick has experience playing inside from his college days, but we’ve seen very little of him at the NFL level. As a rookie, Monk was often a healthy scratch, even with the team’s lack of depth inside. In Year 2, he battled a hamstring injury and only saw meaningful offensive snaps in the regular-season finale - a game that functioned more like a preseason tune-up with the Packers locked into their playoff seed.
Monk graded out well in that game, earning a 76 overall from PFF. But that grade was heavily influenced by a strong showing in the run game - his pass protection was far shakier, even if he didn’t officially allow a pressure. It was a small sample, and it left more questions than answers.
If Green Bay lets Rhyan walk, it could signal confidence in Monk’s development. But based on what we’ve seen - or more accurately, haven’t seen - that would be a gamble. Monk might be part of the plan, but it’s hard to imagine the Packers handing him the starting job without bringing in competition.
That’s why, regardless of what happens with Rhyan, the Packers are likely to invest in the position this offseason. Whether it’s a mid-round draft pick, a veteran free agent, or even a splashier move than we’ve come to expect from this front office, help is coming. There’s just too much uncertainty - and not enough depth - to stand pat.
The center market in free agency isn’t exactly loaded, which only strengthens the case for bringing Rhyan back. He knows the system, he’s versatile, and he’s coming off a season where he helped stabilize a shaky unit. In a year where Green Bay has legitimate aspirations to contend, continuity up front could make all the difference.
The Packers have decisions to make. And if they want to be playing deep into January next season, getting the center position right has to be near the top of the list.