'Big part of this thing' — Matt LaFleur hopes for quick resolution with Pro Bowler so Packers can execute new plan around him
It was, to say the least, an eventful offseason for the Green Bay Packers' offensive line. Josh Myers walked in free agency, the team signed guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract, and Elgton Jenkins is expected to move to center. Expected, because there is a contract situation to figure out before anything […]
It was, to say the least, an eventful offseason for the Green Bay Packers' offensive line. Josh Myers walked in free agency, the team signed guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract, and Elgton Jenkins is expected to move to center. Expected, because there is a contract situation to figure out before anything can truly happen on the field.
Without any guarantees left on his deal, Jenkins wants an adjusted contract. That's why he skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason and held in during mandatory minicamp this week.
As a head coach, Matt LaFleur doesn't control contract negotiations, but he's been in communication with his future center and is counting on him as soon as possible.
"That's the beauty of my job, and what I talked to Elgton about. Since he's been back here, the communication has been great between him and I," LaFleur said after the final minicamp practice. "I expect him to be ready to go when we come back. He's a guy that I really respect how he works. The product that he's put out there from an individual standpoint has been pretty impressive. He's fought through some adversity, but he's going to be a big part of this thing."
Jenkins is set to make $32.8 million over the next two years, but there are no guarantees left on the deal he signed back in 2022.
Center is a less valuable position than guard, and Jenkins' earnings are slated to jump from $12.8 million to $20 million in 2026. This combination means that Jenkins is a realistic cut or paycut candidate next offseason, and this is the best possible time from a player's perspective to adjust his contract.
The Packers usually don't extend non-quarterbacks with more than a year left on their contracts, making the situation more complicated. A middle ground would probably include some type of guarantees in 2025 and a roster bonus in 2026 to have an earlier trigger date and force a quick Packers' decision, avoiding a scenario where the Packers hold Jenkins' rights well into the offseason without the intent to pay his full salary.
Jenkins was drafted in 2019, LaFleur's first season as a head coach. Primarily a center at Mississippi State, the offensive lineman has played all around the unit in the NFL, but his main position was left guard. He made the All-Rookie Team in 2019 and two Pro Bowls, in 2020 and 2022.
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