The Green Bay Packers made a major free agency move to sign offensive lineman Aaron Banks. It was a heavy investment, as the Packers gave Banks a lucrative four-year, $77 million contract.
Following the move to sign Banks, it was expected that Green Bay would make some kind of shuffle on the offensive line. That shuffle has now been confirmed.
Elgton Jenkins will be making a move to the center position. He will replace former starting center Josh Myers, who ended up signing with the New York Jets in free agency.
Green Bay Packers Confirm Massive Offensive Change for 2025 Season
This move was confirmed on Monday by general manager Brian Gutekunst. While attending the annual league meetings, Gutekunst opened up about moving Jenkins to center. He also revealed that he informed Jenkins of the move prior to signing Banks.
As shared by Ryan Wood and Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Gutekunst shared more details about the team’s decision to make the move.
“Obviously he played center in college,” Gutekunst said. “We feel like he’s got a chance to be an All-Pro center. We’ve talked a lot about how versatility plays through our offensive line and having guys who can move to different spots, and Elgton is one of those guys who can play all five spots. So we feel he’s a luxury, but I think I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Landing Banks and moving Jenkins to the center position gives the Packers a chance to make a major improvement on the line. Keeping Jordan Love upright, healthy, and with plenty of time to make plays is a clear focus for Green Bay this offseason.
Should this move pay off and Jenkins fits perfectly at center, both the pass-blocking and run-blocking should improve.
Gutekunst has also opened up more about the team’s move to sign Banks.
“A really large man who can do all the things that Matt (LaFleur) asks those guys to do within our scheme,” Gutekunst said, “as far as his ability to get off the ball quickly, get out in space and really run. This isn’t a 295-pound man. This is a 330-pound man. So his ability to play physical in the run game and anchor down in pass pro. He’s played at a high level for a few years now.”
Only time will tell how these two moves end up looking for the Packers, but this will be a major change for Green Bay’s line.