The Green Bay Packers did not make any major signings on the first unofficial day of NFL free agency. They did, however, trade Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys. Somehow, they were able to convince Jerry Jones to send them a 2027 fourth round pick in return.
Additionally, the Packers announced that they had released offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins. This move was expected by many for a couple of reasons. First, cutting him saves nearly $20 million on the salary cap. Second, they re-signed Sean Rhyan to a three-year contract to be their starting center.
On Tuesday, though, a report came out that explains why there has not been much buzz about Jenkins on the free agent market.
The Green Bay Packers released Elgton Jenkins with a failed physical
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Elgton Jenkins (74) walks off the field with an injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
According to Packers insider Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Jenkins was released with a failed physical designation:
Officially, the Packers released Elgton Jenkins with the “failed physical” designation, according to the NFL’s daily transaction file.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 10, 2026
Jenkins, as fans may recall, broke his fibula halfway through the 2025 NFL season. The injury also damaged some of the ligaments in his leg.
After Green Bay traded Gary, many fans wondered if they were going to do the same with Jenkins. When they did not, many were upset and/or confused.
The fact, though, that Jenkins cannot yet pass a physical explains why the Packers were not able to find a trade partner. The NFL would have nullified any trade involving Jenkins once he took (and failed) his physical.
Jenkins can still sign elsewhere in free agency, but if he cannot pass a physical yet, any contract that he agrees to will not become official until he can. With that in mind, it may be a while before he finds a new team.
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