Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers
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Elgton Jenkins #74 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with fans after Jayden Reed #11 scored a touchdown in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lambeau Field on November 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers have gotten off to a quiet start to begin NFL free agency. That is, from a players coming in perspective.
On Monday morning, the Packers pulled off a big trade with the Dallas Cowboys that sent pass rusher Rashan Gary to Jerry Jones’ world. So far, the only free agency move the team has made has been bringing back Darian Kinnard on a one-year deal.
Brian Gutekunst has never been in a rush to make a move. Green Bay did, however, make another decision on a key player already on the roster.
According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Packers have made the final decision to release star offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins.
“Source: Packers are releasing two-time Pro-Bowl center Elgton Jenkins,” Schefter wrote on X.
This move had been expected all offseason long. Moving on from Jones will help Green Bay save some much-needed cap space. It could also free up the Packers to make outside moves to improve the roster.
Jordan Schultz has reported that Jenkins is expected to have a strong market in free agency.
Elgton Jenkins Made a Strong Impact on the Packers
Despite Jenkins ending his tenure with a release, his impact on the franchise was big.
Originally drafted by Green Bay with the No. 44 overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, Jenkins went on to make two Pro Bowls. He quickly become one of the better offensive linemen in the NFL.
Prior to the start of the 2025 season, Jenkins was switched to playing center. That switch didn’t seem to sit well with him at the time.
Jenkins played well in his new role until he suffered a fractured lower leg in a Week 10 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, he’ll hit the free agency market with an opportunity to switch back to a position he prefers and pick where to play the next chapter of his carer.
What Must the Packers Focus on in Free Agency?
Fans are hoping to see the Packers get active in free agency soon. The market is moving quickly and quite a few of the top free agents have already agreed to new deals.
Green Bay has a few major needs to focus on.
First and foremost, the Packers must find help at the cornerback position. That position group was a problem during the 2025 season. Many of the top options have already been signed, but there are still quality players available.
In addition to cornerback, Green Bay now has a major need on the defensive line. So far this offseason, the Packers have traded or lost Colby Wooden, Rashan Gary, and Kingsley Enagbare. They could use a big body in the middle of the line to help stop the run.
Another potential need is a backup running back behind Josh Jacobs. Green Bay will also need to bring in a new backup quarterback with Malik Willis signing with the Miami Dolphins.
With the Jenkins decision now being made, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Packers make a move or two in the near future.