Latest Chicago Bears trade was a telling way to slam the door fully shut on a former second-round pick returning with the team in 2025
No one truly expected left guard Teven Jenkins to return with the Chicago Bears in 2025 considering how the final year of his rookie contract ended.However, there was always a slim chance the team's former second-round pick could return to Chicago given the team's needs on the offensive line.The team's latest trade on Tuesday slammed […]
No one truly expected left guard Teven Jenkins to return with the Chicago Bears in 2025 considering how the final year of his rookie contract ended.
However, there was always a slim chance the team's former second-round pick could return to Chicago given the team's needs on the offensive line.
The team's latest trade on Tuesday slammed the door shut on that being a possibility, meaning Jenkins will be set to hit the market for the first time in his career next week.
The decision to make a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for Jonah Jackson was telling in more than one way. First, it signifies the Bears are clearly going to be aggressive in rebuilding the offensive line. Secondly, it means that injuries weren't the issue with Teven Jenkins, considering who they plan to replace him with.
Extension talks with Jenkins started to get sour late last offseason when the Bears essentially said they wanted to see him have a fully healthy season before investing in him long-term. Jenkins quickly adjusted his training regime and strengthening his body to prepare for a crucial 2024 season.
Unfortunately, the injuries continued. Jenkins missed three full games and played less than 75% of the offensive snaps in five other matchups due to a lingering calf injury and a rip injury. In totality, Jenkins missed a total of 23 games in four years and the Bears seemed to be fed up with his availability.
But, replacing him with Jonah Jackson adds a new layer to this. Yes, Jackson is a former Pro Bowler in 2021 but he hasn't played more than 13 games in a season since then. Jackson has his own legitimate injury concerns plus a high price tag.
What Jackson does have, is prior ties to new head coach Ben Johnson, which likely determined the final outcome. Regardless, with the addition of Jackson, that means Jenkins is fully out of the door in Chicago, but is set up to rebound elsewhere.
According to Spotrac, Jenkins is projected to land a 3-year, $31 million contract on the open market. A sizable deal, which in reality could be much higher based on the remaining free agent pool at the guard position and his ability to play both positions.
Teams such as the New York Giants should be interested in adding someone like Jenkins to their offense now that he's officially out of the plans in Chicago.