GREEN BAY − All it took was a single day for former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins to find his new home.
After his release March 9, Jenkins is expected to sign a two-year, $24 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, a source confirmed to PackersNews. The deal was first reported by NFL Network and includes $20 million guaranteed.
The Packers cleared $19 million in salary-cap room with his release entering free agency. He had been scheduled to count $24 million against the Packers’ cap in 2026.
A 2019 second-round pick by the Packers, Jenkins is a two-time Pro Bowler and fixture of the offensive line during the past seven seasons. He started 94 of 96 career games, but his final season with the Packers ended in November with a broken leg. The Packers moved Jenkins from his Pro Bowl position at left guard to center before last season.
“Elgton established himself as one of the best and most versatile offensive linemen in the league during his time in Green Bay,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said in a statement after the release. “He contributed so much to our success over the past seven seasons and was a tremendous leader and teammate who brought an unselfishness and toughness to our team.
“We want to thank Elgton for all that he gave to this franchise, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
The Packers re-signed Sean Rhyan to a three-year, $33 million contract March 8, mitigating the impact of Jenkins’ release. Rhyan replaced Jenkins at center midway through last season, a position he had never played full time. While not the pass protector Jenkins has been throughout his career, Rhyan is bigger at 6-foot-5, 321 pounds. His presence in the middle helped boost a struggling run game.
A year ago, the Packers signed Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract to replace Jenkins at left guard. Banks’ average annual salary is $7.25 million more than Jenkins’ new deal in Cleveland.
Even before injury, Jenkins struggled in his transition to center. It didn’t help that a back injury last offseason erased most of his preseason preparation. If he had finished the season healthy, it’s possible Jenkins might have improved in the middle. The Browns have made a bevy of moves on their offensive line this week, including signing guard Zion Johnson and extending guard Teven Jenkins.
Ethan Pocic, the Browns starting center, tore his Achilles in December and is questionable to start the season, leaving open the possibility Jenkins will still play center in Cleveland.
This story was updated with more information.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Former Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins to sign with Cleveland
Reporting by Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Packers News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
