The Green Bay Packers entered the 2026 NFL off-season with some serious questions on their roster. Among these was the center position, as Sean Rhyan was slated to hit free agency and Elgton Jenkins is expected to be trade or released as a salary cap casualty.
Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowl selection at left guard, was moved to center before the 2025 NFL season. He played the position primarily in college, and played there a bit early in his career as an injury replacement. However, he did not like having to change positions, and the move caused some friction between himself and the organization.
When Jenkins himself went down with a broken leg last season, Rhyan moved from right guard to take over center. And he played well. So well, in fact, that the Packers are bringing him back.
Green Bay Packers sign Sean Rhyan to a 3-year contract
Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Sean Rhyan (75) takes the field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
According to multiple reports this morning, Rhyan, who was drafted by Green Bay in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has agreed to a three-year $33 million contract to return to the Packers:
The Packers and Sean Rhyan have agreed to a three-year, $33 million extension with a max value of $39 million, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Rhyan becomes one of the NFL’s highest-paid centers after nine career starts at the position. Deal negotiated by @AgentMirza, Cameron… pic.twitter.com/QESfIGsYuN
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2026
The deal could be worth as much as $39 million with incentives. With an $11 million per year salary, Rhyan now is one of the NFL’s highest paid centers. A big honor for a player with so little playing time at the position. That being said, he did play well there when he filled in for Jenkins, as previously mentioned.
This move would seem to indicate that Jenkins, who as mentioned is likely to be traded or cut, will certainly not be back. More importantly, it solves the question of starting center.
Without a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Packers are limited in their selection capital, and have many other needs on the roster to address. Inking Rhyan to this deal allows them to focus on these needs without having to worry too much about the starting offensive line.
And speaking of that, Rhyan’s return all but locks up four of the five starting spots on the offensive line. Jordan Morgan will probably be taking over left tackle as Rasheed Walker hits free agency. Zach Tom, who just signed a contract extension last year, will remain at right tackle. Aaron Banks, who was signed in free agency last year, will remain at left guard.
The only real question, then, is the starting right guard. There, the Packers could use Anthony Belton, their second round pick from last year, and who started there when Rhyan moved to center.
Depth, of course, remains an issue. However, Green Bay is in a much better position with Rhyan at center than they were a few hours ago when he was set to hit free agency.
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