The Green Bay Packers have taken a hard stance on cheesing when it comes to their offensive line and moved star Elgton Jenkins to center. More than just a tactical maneuver, this strategic decision looks to better their team’s running game. The organization is counting on Jenkins to anchor an aggressive offensive line. Jenkins has exhibited impressive versatility by playing each of the five spots along the line. He welcomed this change with open arms, entering a new golden age of his professional life.
Jenkins is presently signed through 2026. His current annual salary begins at $12.8 million this year and increases to $20 million in 2026. He’s locked in a $68 million, four-year extension. This new pact guarantees he’ll keep making that sort of money, no matter what position he plays, should he choose to move to tackle. The average annual salary of $17.058 million places Jenkins fourth among current centers, despite typical higher pay for guards and tackles. This move may significantly undermine his ability to negotiate future financial agreements.
For the Packers, this was a calculated risk to move Jenkins to center. Sometime after they signed Aaron Banks, free agent from the San Francisco 49ers, to a four-year contract worth $77 million for left guard, making this decision possible. Jenkins’ experience and skill set make him an ideal candidate for the center role, which he has embraced for the benefit of the team.
“His ability to play physical in the run game and anchor down in the pass protection is something where he’s played at a high level for a few years now,” said General Manager Brian Gutekunst. “To get a guy like that, really in the prime of his career, is something I thought would really benefit us.”
Indeed, Jenkins has been touted with many honors over his prolific career. He made the Pro Bowl twice as a left guard, a testament to his dominant play. His willingness to change his role altogether is a testament to his commitment to the Packers succeeding as a whole. Gutekunst voiced-farmed faith in Jenkins’ ability and his feeling that improvement was on the way with the team’s o-line.
“I think we can do everything we need to do with the players we have on our roster right now,” Gutekunst added. This statement further highlights Green Bay’s intentions behind Jenkins’ placement to not only stabilize, but improve, the Packers’ running game.
As Jenkins transitions into his new role, the Packers are optimistic about the synergy between him and Banks on the offensive line. The organization has invested considerable resources into its offensive line strategy. They hope to increase overall performance and develop a formidable left flank.
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