Grading the Cleveland Browns’ latest free agent addition by the way of a former Pro Bowler who gives Todd Monken just what his offense needs
The Browns are putting a lot of investment in the trenches on offense where they must improve. Their latest move is signing another veteran to plug in.
The Cleveland Browns have been clear with what they want to do in free agency and they’ve now made their third addition.
Cleveland started by adding G Zion Johnson and LB Quincy Williams on the first day of free agency. The Browns continued their work into Tuesday by re-signing G Teven Jenkins. Now, the Browns have another addition along the offensive line.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns are expected to sign former Green Bay Packers C Elgton Jenkins to a two-year deal worth $24 million with $20 million guaranteed.
Insight on new Browns C Elgton Jenkins from a Packers’ point of view
“A second-round pick back in 2019, Elgton Jenkins is 30 and showed some signs of regression over the past two years, leading the Packers to release him ahead of the new league year.
Jenkins was a solid part of the Packers’ offensive line plan for several seasons, and versatility is his calling card. He played 4,161 snaps at left guard, 906 at center, 524 at left tackle, 374 at right tackle, and two at right guard.
Primarily a left guard for most of his career, he moved full-time to center in 2025, when the Packers signed Aaron Banks and allowed Josh Myers to walk in free agency. But the financial burden of his contract was just too big to justify his recent level of performance, especially as a run-blocker.
He was still a viable pass-protector, though, and can still be a viable starter for the Browns — if healthy. Last season, after allowing 10 pressures in nine games, Jenkins suffered a serious leg injury — fractured fibula and associated ligament damage. Because of that, the Packers officially released him on Tuesday with a failed physical designation.” — Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay
Grading the Cleveland Browns’ addition of Elgton Jenkins to the offensive line
Jenkins gives the Browns a proven starter with seven years of experience all with the Packers. The 6-foot-5, 311-pound offensive lineman gives the Browns a veteran presence along the interior of the offensive line and he can start at center or guard. My expectation is that Elgton will be the Browns’ starting center in 2025 with Luke Wypler serving as his backup. Though, the possibility exists for Elgton to play at guard for the Browns.
Cleveland needed a fresh start up front and bringing in Jenkins is another example of them working toward it. The Browns now have four of five offensive line spots filled with a void still at left tackle.
Jenkins has experience as a left guard and center, but was most recently the Packers’ starting center in 2025 for nine games before he fractured his leg. Up to then, Jenkins had been what he’s been all his career, a good pass blocker and below average run blocker. In 310 pass blocking reps last season, Jenkins gave up two sacks and 10 pressures.
The Browns needed better pass protection and this addition fits the bill.
2021 was a season where Jenkins played in just eight games, but he’s been healthy otherwise outside of last year’s injury. Jenkins has missed more than two games in a season in just the two years.
Going this route paying $12 million a season to Jenkins with $20 million guaranteed feels like better use of the cap than spending as much as the $28 million a season the Las Vegas Raiders are giving former Baltimore Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum, a player the Browns had interest in. Jenkins’ yearly value will come in tied for the fifth-highest in the NFL.
Cleveland is taking care of their needs in free agency exactly where they needed to in the trenches. Getting a capable offensive line put together in free agency would give the Browns the ability to get the best player available at No. 6 overall in the draft, an exciting possibility.
Final grade: B+
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