In a turbulent offseason filled with an uncharacteristic amount of drama, the Green Bay Packers still face a potential problem down the road.
The Packers are on a contractual collision course with Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins. We say guard, but it's his move to center that has created some unnecessary chaos that could ultimately determine his future.
Signing Aaron Banks and letting Josh Myers walk in free agency led to the Packers shifting Jenkins from left guard to center, a less lucrative position. Understandably, Jenkins wants an adjusted contract and, having yet to receive one, he didn't participate in the team's offseason program.
Even if he ends his protest when training camp begins, the Packers and Jenkins will once again have to find a solution by the time next offseason rolls around.
It's a real possibility that he is entering his final year in Green Bay.
Packers and Elgton Jenkins are heading toward a crossroads, and he may be entering his final season
The Packers may give Jenkins the contract adjustment he wants to accommodate his move inside, but there's also an alternative reality to consider. He has two years remaining on his contract, but according to Over The Cap, his cap hit will soar to $24.8 million in 2026.
That's not ideal.
One solution is to negotiate an extension, but that seems unlikely as Jenkins turns 30 in December, and the Packers don't typically hand out third contracts. That's before we mention a daunting list of upcoming free agents that includes Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker, and Devonte Wyatt.
To recap, that's both starting tackles, two starting wide receivers, and two first-round defenders.
It's fair to assume an extension for Jenkins is unlikely.
Another solution is to ask Jenkins to take a pay cut, which is a little awkward as it's the complete opposite of what he wants. Imagine that conversation. Oh, we're moving you to a less lucrative position and would like you to play for less money. Good luck with that.
Then there is the final possibility, and it's the most realistic.
Green Bay would make a $20 million cap saving by releasing Jenkins after this season. That extra cap space would be like gold dust when it comes to re-signing their key free agents.
The Packers already have potential replacements on the roster. Rob Demovsky of ESPN named center Jacob Monk as the team's biggest surprise this offseason. Monk received first-team reps while Jenkins sat out of practice, a potential preview of the Packers' future.
Perhaps they get creative and move Zach Tom inside, a position they reportedly once believed he could become a Hall of Famer in. Drafting two tackles in as many years would allow Tom to make that switch.
Green Bay has endured some ugly breakups with star players. It's too early to predict the same to happen with Jenkins, but the ingredients are there.
The Packers overpaid another left guard, forcing Jenkins into a less lucrative position. As of yet, they haven't adjusted his contract, which led to him not practicing, and the team is walking into a free-agency nightmare in 2026.
Only time will reveal how this story unfolds, but Jenkins could be quietly entering his final season with the Packers.
