Packers Face Tough Decision on Elgton Jenkins as Cap Crunch Looms
As the Green Bay Packers head into a pivotal offseason, one name stands out among potential cap casualties: Elgton Jenkins. Once a cornerstone of the offensive line and a symbol of versatility and reliability, Jenkins now finds himself at a crossroads - a 31-year-old lineman coming off another injury, carrying a hefty price tag at a position the Packers historically haven’t prioritized.
Let’s break down why Jenkins’ future in Green Bay is suddenly in question.
A Draft-Day Gem Who Delivered
Back in 2019, Elgton Jenkins was one of the early wins for GM Brian Gutekunst. Taken 44th overall - just after the Packers grabbed Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage in the first round - Jenkins quickly proved he belonged. When Lane Taylor went down in Week 2 of his rookie season, Jenkins stepped in at left guard and never looked back.
That first year, he didn’t just plug a hole - he played with poise and power, showing the kind of football IQ and technique that made him a rare find. And while he made brief appearances at every other offensive line spot that season, it was clear the Packers had something special on their hands.
Over the next few years, Jenkins’ calling card became his versatility. In 2020, he started games at left guard and center while logging meaningful snaps at both tackle spots.
By 2021, he was holding down the left tackle position - no small feat - until a torn ACL ended his season early. He returned in 2022 and signed a four-year, $68 million extension that December.
But while the deal reflected his value, the following seasons have raised questions about whether that investment will continue to pay off.
The Case to Keep Jenkins
Let’s start with what Jenkins still brings to the table.
In 2025, after Josh Myers departed, Jenkins moved to center - a position he hadn’t played full-time in years. In nine games before a fractured fibula ended his season, Jenkins was solid if unspectacular. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 20th-best center in the league (among those with at least 500 snaps), and notably, he was their third-best pass-blocking center.
That’s not nothing. In today’s NFL, where protecting the quarterback is paramount, having a center who can hold up in pass pro is a valuable asset. His run-blocking grades were less impressive - 25th out of 34 - but the Packers’ offensive identity has long leaned on the passing game, especially with a young quarterback under center.
And then there’s the versatility. With Sean Rhyan set to hit free agency, there could be a vacancy at right guard. Jenkins has played there before, and while it’s not his primary spot, his ability to move around the line gives the Packers flexibility - a luxury most teams don’t have.
The Case Against Jenkins
Now, here’s the other side of the coin - and it’s a heavy one.
Jenkins is slated to carry a $17.6 million cap hit in 2026, the highest among all NFL centers by a wide margin. For comparison, only three other centers - Lloyd Cushenberry (Titans), Drew Dalman (Bears), and Creed Humphrey (Chiefs) - are expected to have double-digit cap hits in 2025. And in 2026, only Jenkins and Humphrey are projected to surpass $18 million.
Here’s where things get tricky: Humphrey is widely regarded as the best center in the league, with multiple All-Pro nods to back it up. He’ll count $18.1 million against Kansas City’s cap in 2026.
Jenkins? He’s set to cost the Packers $24.8 million - and he may not even be the best interior lineman on the team depending on how you view Rhyan’s development.
That’s a steep price for a player who’s aging, coming off another injury, and playing a position the Packers have historically been reluctant to invest in long-term.
A History That Doesn’t Favor Jenkins
Green Bay’s track record at the center position paints a pretty clear picture.
The team has rarely poured major resources into the spot. They brought in Jeff Saturday late in his career, but he didn’t even make it through a full season before being benched - though he somehow still made the Pro Bowl.
Corey Linsley got a modest three-year, $25.5 million extension in 2017. And Josh Myers, a second-round pick in 2021, was allowed to walk without much fanfare.
In that context, Jenkins’ 2025 cap hit alone was more than two-thirds of Linsley’s entire Green Bay deal - and more than Myers earned during his entire Packers tenure. Now, with an even larger cap number looming in 2026, the numbers just don’t add up.
What Comes Next?
Unless there’s a significant restructuring of his deal - and fast - it’s hard to see Jenkins sticking around at that price. For a team that’s trying to stay competitive while building around a young core, every dollar counts. And while Jenkins still has value, the gap between cost and production is getting harder to justify.
The Packers will have to weigh his leadership, versatility, and pass-blocking prowess against a cap hit that’s out of step with his current role and health status. It’s a tough call, but that’s life in the NFL - especially when the salary cap forces teams to make hard choices about players they once considered untouchable.
Come spring, don’t be surprised if Elgton Jenkins becomes one of the biggest names on the cap casualty list.