NFL Insider Delivers Major Update on Packers' Veteran Guard

Yahoo

16-05-2025

The Green Bay Packers' offensive line has been so effective primarily because of its versatility up front. It is one of the main reasons the unit has been a strength in recent years and helped power Green Bay to a top-five finish in offensive DVOA last season. They also ranked 8th in EPA per play, 6th in EPA per pass, and 7th in EPA per rush.
With Josh Myers leaving in free agency, the Packers will have a new starting center in 2025—likely two-time Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins. His decision to skip the offseason program has not gone unnoticed by fans, especially with the starting job at center still up for grabs.
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On Wednesday, an NFL insider clarified why Jenkins has not been attending offseason activities and shared what might be next for him and the Packers' offensive line.
Elgton Jenkins (74) and Jordan Love (10) in action during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.© Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, Jenkins' absence is due to a potential move to center. It is not that he is unwilling to make the switch, but he wants to safeguard himself against potential future earnings loss.
"Jenkins has two years left on a four-year, $68 million contract extension he signed in December of 2022," Demovsky wrote. "It was designed to pay him as if he were staying at guard while also remaining competitive if he moved to the higher-priced tackle position. The average of $17 million would make him among the highest-paid centers in the league."
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"The problem, however, is that centers typically make far less than the highest-paid guards or tackles, so Jenkins' concerns are tied to future earnings, which could be significantly lower as a center," he added. "He is under contract through the 2026 season and is scheduled to make $12.8 million this season and $20 million in 2026, when he will be 30 years old."
Jenkins played over 1,700 blocking snaps at center during his time at Mississippi State and has started four games at center for the Packers, allowing just two pressures and no sacks in 255 snaps. Offensive line coach Adam Stenavich noted that Jenkins is open to transitioning to center for Green Bay, and General Manager Brian Gutekunst believes he has the potential to become an All-Pro at the position.
Green Bay and Elgton Jenkins should have no trouble reaching an agreement. Without him, Green Bay lacks a dependable backup at center, which is arguably the most important position on the offensive line. Given the significance of the role, there should be a sense of urgency to iron out any remaining details.
Related: NFL Insider Reveals Intriguing Detail About Packers' 2025 Schedule