The Green Bay Packers have officially parted ways with offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, ending his impressive seven-year stint with the team. Drafted in the second round back in 2019, Jenkins quickly became known for his versatility and skill, transitioning from guard to center just last year.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst praised Jenkins, saying, "Elgton established himself as one of the best and most versatile offensive linemen in the league during his time in Green Bay. He contributed so much to our success over the past seven seasons and was a tremendous leader and teammate who brought an unselfishness and toughness to our team. We want to thank Elgton for all that he gave to this franchise and we wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
This move frees up $19.5 million in salary cap space for the Packers, but it also sparked some buzz, especially from Jenkins' former college teammate, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Simmons stirred speculation about Jenkins’ next move with a cryptic emoji post on social media, a nod to their shared history at Mississippi State from 2016 to 2018.
Despite the intrigue, Jenkins is not heading to Tennessee. Instead, he’s inked a two-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
As reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Jenkins will bolster the Browns' offensive line under the new leadership of Todd Monken. The deal, worth $24 million with $20 million guaranteed, ensures Jenkins will be in Cleveland through the 2027 season.
Jenkins’ departure from Green Bay and swift signing with the Browns highlights his value in the league. After the Packers couldn't secure a trade, Jenkins quickly became a hot commodity on the free agent market, landing a new contract in just 24 hours. His ability to play both guard and center makes him a key asset for the Browns moving forward.