The Green Bay Packers converted Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center last offseason, believing he could become an All-Pro. Unfortunately, the two-time Pro Bowler did not live up to lofty expectations, struggling in run blocking and ranking 19th out of 32 qualified centers in pressure rate. Jenkins suffered a season-ending fractured fibula and significant ligament damage in Week 10.
Sean Rhyan and Elgton Jenkins at center in 2025:
Either way… not great! pic.twitter.com/Lq8f74Vd7b
— Mark Oldacres (@MarkOldacres) February 23, 2026
Center (C) Pressure Rate (%):
2025 Regular Season
1. #Chiefs C. Humphrey (1.08%)
2. #Steelers Z. Frazier (1.58%)
31. #Ravens T. Linderbaum (4.85%)
32. #Vikings B. Brandel (5.17%) https://t.co/eEOQkhhgUC pic.twitter.com/KJfI4XwBHn
— Daniel Rotman (@daniel_rotman15) February 19, 2026
Also Read: “We Think He Can Be an All-Pro”: Packers Confirm Position Change for Pro Bowler
Green Bay Packers’ offensive lineman is on the chopping block
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Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins (74) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Given his recent injury, his decline, the failed position change, the Packers’ current cap situation, and his cap hit, Elgton Jenkins is widely viewed as a cap casualty. He is scheduled to earn a non-guaranteed $18.5 million base salary, a per-game bonus totaling $1 million, a $500,000 workout bonus, $20 million in cash, and a $24.3 million cap charge, the highest by a center and the third-highest by a left guard in 2026. With a standard release, the Packers clear $19.5 million in cap space while taking on $4.8 million in dead cap.
The Packers are hoping to trade a 2x-Pro Bowler
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins (74) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins (74) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Packers are attempting to trade the two-time Pro Bowler, hoping to receive draft compensation rather than cutting him outright. A trading team would be on the hook for his base salary, per-game roster bonus, and workout bonus, essentially a one-year, $20 million contract. Given Jenkins’ recent injury and hefty cap hit, a trade is highly unlikely, though the Packers may be willing to eat part of his salary to facilitate one. Lastly, he is expected to move back to left guard.
“Two offensive linemen to potentially be included in trades are Green Bay’s Elgton Jenkins and Denver’s Ben Powers. Both have large cap hits and potential value,” Fowler said.