Per a report from Tom Pelissero among others, the Cleveland Browns are planning to sign free agent offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins to a two-year deal. Jenkins, who was just released by the Green Bay Packers with a failed physical designation, is signing to a deal worth up to $24 million with $20 million guaranteed.
Jenkins joins a Browns offensive line that is quickly being overhauled. The two-time Pro Bowler has experience at all three line spots, but likely figures to be aimed for the interior. His flexibility to play potentially center and guard is particularly valuable given the moving parts the Browns currently have on that unit.
The Browns agreed to a deal with Zion Johnson that will be signed when the new league year begins. He can play either guard spot. They made a trade that awaits the new league year to process that will acquire Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans. He is likely slated to go to right tackle, but also has experience at both guard spots. Earlier in the day, the Browns re-signed Teven Jenkins, who has experience at both guard and tackle, but could be depth.
So Jenkins gives the Browns options. In the immediate, his fit might be center. Currently, the only players on the roster who have any experience at center are Luke Wypler, Zak Zinter and Kingsley Eguakun. So getting someone with meaningful ability at that position could prove the priority.
Jenkins has been an excellent player for the Packers where he's spent his entire seven-year career. He was a second round pick who stepped in and flourished immediately. He has suffered a couple major injuries, including a broken leg which just ended his 2025 season. The injury was believed to have also included some ligament damage, which may have been the lingering issue that caused the failed physical designation. He suffered a torn ACL in 2021 as well. Otherwise, he has four seasons with at least 1,000 snaps.
Regardless of whether he ultimately ends up at center or guard, Jenkins is now the fourth move the Browns have made as they work to overhaul the offensive line and the third who is expected to come in and start. The Browns still need to sort out left tackle and now they will probably still be in the market for another interior lineman, which could now be either a center or guard.
To this point, only one move the Browns have made has not involved the offensive line. That was the agreement to sign linebacker Quincy Williams. Otherwise, their focus has been solely on rebuilding a front that had deteriorated. Beyond more potential moves in free agency or trades, the Browns are likely to keep adding linemen in next month's draft.