Sean Rhyan is among the Green Bay Packers’ pending free agents this offseason, but retaining the backup offensive lineman should hardly be a priority. After serving as the starting right guard in 2024, Rhyan struggled mightily making the switch to center to fill in for the injured Elgton Jenkins last season. If the Packers bring him back, it can only be as guard depth, not even as a backup plan at the center position.
Re-signing Rhyan should be least of Packers’ worries
Although in 2025 Rhyan still played 37 percent of his snaps at guard, he saw the majority of his playing time in the middle of Green Bay’s o-line. Per Pro Football Focus, he graded out 31st among 40 qualified centers. In pass protection, his score of 38.5 ranked dead last. Even if Jenkins is released as expected, the Packers can’t go back to Rhyan next season.
He was better in 2024 at guard, so they could consider re-signing him for depth there. With Jenkins gone, their other options at the position include Anthony Belton, a second-round rookie last year, Lecitus Smith, John Williams, and Travis Glover. Not exactly a Pro Bowl group. The Packers could ask Jordan Morgan to carry some of the load, but he is also Plan A at tackle assuming Rasheed Walker walks in free agency.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Royce Newman (70), guard Jon Runyan (76), and guard Sean Rhyan (75) before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Rhyan could thus lend a helping hand by returning on a cheap contract. But with his market value projected at three years, $19.6 million, per Spotrac, the Packers might be better off investing via the draft or by acquiring a legitimate starter in free agency. With Jenkins’ money off the books, and possibly Rashan Gary’s as well, they could set aside something to spend on the offensive line.
This roster has other needs, to be sure, but stabilizing a banged up frontline should be a top priority. Protecting Jordan Love is critical, of course, and last season, the run game suffered as well due to a lack of consistent line play.
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