Every offseason, NFL fans have a checklist leading up to the next season. There's the start of free agency, the scouting combine, the draft, offseason workouts, the schedule release, OTAs, and then Training Camp. As of this week, we only have two checkboxes left until the 2025 season officially gets underway. Some might say the season doesn't start until early September, but they're robbing themselves of some quality football content by skipping Training Camp and Preseason. That's when the action begins. That's when we get our first look at the latest version of the Green Bay Packers. This past week, we received one of the only pieces of the offseason puzzle that the players, coaches, and general managers have nothing at all to do with. The schedule release.
I'm going to say it. You know, back in my day, you didn't see the Packers' schedule until either the newspaper posted it or someone handed them out at a parade or something. Teams weren't releasing special productions for them. Okay, I'm only 38, and if I'm being honest, I thought the Packers' release was pretty good. As we've all been saying lately, the Packers have really stepped up their social media game, and it's been great to see. But honestly, though, I was in attendance at the NFL Draft just three weeks ago, and before one of the picks was announced, they had two women on the stage come out and announce in a very hyped up fashion that the schedule would be released in 2.5 weeks.
You would've thought they announced the draft grounds were switching from Budweiser products to Miller, the way the crowd erupted. All to only find out what date and times teams are playing each other this season. I get it, it's the excitement of the new season being closer. You can buy your tickets, you can book your hotels, you can plan your game-watching parties. Football is so close that our noses are starting to pick up the scent. It won't be long until we're packing the stands at Ray Nitschke Field for Training Camp. And back to that Budweiser vs Miller comment, I was so glad a few of the beer vendors were carrying "Beer Hug" by Goose Island brewery at the Draft, it was a literal lifesaver.
But back to the schedule release. There are a few things to like about it, and a few things not to like. Right off the bat, this is the first time the Packers have opened the season at home since 2018. That's right, for the first time in seven seasons, for the first time in the Matt LaFleur era, I don't have to complain about starting the season on the road. And then guess what? We're at home again for week 2! Home cooking for everybody for two weeks! But it doesn't come without a cost. The first game is against the Detroit Lions. Talk about your "prove it" games coming early. Right off the bat, you get the division champs and the chance to show if you're a threat to dethrone them. And as if that's not enough, you then get the team that knocked the division champs out of the playoffs, the Commanders, in week 2, just four days later on Thursday night. We may be at home, but those teams coming to visit are no joke, and we had better be ready.
Among the other things to dislike comes a week 5 bye. Which, let's be honest, anything before week 7 should be banned. How is that an effective rest week when you have to return to 13, and maybe more, straight weeks of games? Even though having to visit the Lions on Thanksgiving once again this season annoys me a bit, I have to admit that the 10-day break to follow before the final five games of the season will be a nice little bonus.
Elgton Jenkins' Absence
When the Packers signed their new offensive lineman, Aaron Banks, to a four-year deal, part of the move was said to have been made to move star offensive guard, Elgton Jenkins, over to Center to replace the recently departed Josh Myers. Sounds like a good move, right? Well, no one told Elgton Jenkins this, and now Jenkins is making some business decisions to ensure his future.
When Jenkins signed his second contract in 2022, it was done under the assumption that eventually Jenkins may kick over to left tackle eventually. Instead, he's kicking over in the opposite direction, to Center. Center is not as appealing contract-wise as a left tackle would be, and Jenkins is looking to ensure his 2026 season, which is the last on his contract, is not in jeopardy before he fully commits this season.
As a fan, these situations can look a little silly. Players are paid millions of dollars to live out their dream of playing pro football. What's a few thousand or million dollars? Many of us will never see that amount of money in our lifetimes, and here a player is complaining about that? No way.
It may not be the popular response to the situation, but admittedly, I don't blame Jenkins for the move. He wants to ensure that his cooperation and move to the Center position are rewarded and not just done to eventually phase him out of Green Bay altogether. Sure, the dollar amounts are different, but this is like anyone trying to ensure their job security. Which I'll say, I consider a good thing. Jenkins seems to want to make sure he stays in Green Bay. He could just as easily wait to see what the team does and try to cash in on free agency elsewhere, but he's trying to solidify his future in Green Bay instead of just walking away.
How the Packers will reach a reassurance with Elgton Jenkins is anyone's guess. It could be simple, it could be complex, but either way, we're hoping it moves in a positive direction as the Packers are a better team with Jenkins on the field paving the way for running backs and protecting our franchise quarterback.