The Green Bay Packers made a bold move before the 2025 NFL season by shifting Elgton Jenkins to center, a position he hadn't played since college. With Josh Myers not returning after his rookie contract, the Packers saw an opportunity to reconfigure their line by signing Aaron Banks to a hefty four-year, $77 million deal to fill Jenkins’ previous role at left guard.
However, this decision came with its challenges. Jenkins was a proven two-time Pro Bowl left guard and wasn’t thrilled about the switch.
He pushed for a contract restructure for more guaranteed money, but the Packers declined. The situation worsened when Banks struggled with injuries early in the season, impacting his performance.
Midway through the year, Jenkins suffered a broken leg, sidelining him for the rest of the season, and Sean Rhyan had to step in at center.
Now, Jenkins is on the verge of becoming a salary cap casualty. If he hits the market, it could highlight a significant misstep by Green Bay.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell placed Jenkins in Tier Three of upcoming free agents and potential cut casualties, noting Jenkins’ excellence at guard and how his injury in the wild-card loss to the Eagles in 2024 was a turning point for the Packers. Jenkins’ transition to center this past season didn’t pan out as hoped, and another injury against the Eagles compounded the issue.
With Jenkins set to earn $19.5 million in 2026, none of which is guaranteed, and being over 30, Green Bay's GM Brian Gutekunst is likely to move on, consistent with his approach to veterans. Barnwell suggests that Jenkins would likely return to guard with a new team, potentially regaining his Pro Bowl form.
The Packers, meanwhile, are left with decisions to make. The anticipated cap savings from releasing Jenkins were likely a factor in their plans all along. Yet, they still face the challenge of finding a new center for 2026, as Rhyan’s future is uncertain, and Banks’ contract remains a financial consideration.
Reflecting on the season, it’s tempting to wonder if keeping Jenkins at left guard could have stabilized the line. Rhyan, who ended up playing center for much of the season, might have been a more consistent presence there from the start. The offensive line’s struggles last season raise questions about the impact of these decisions, and whether a different approach could have yielded better results.