Green Bay Packers fans finally got an answer to their team’s most looming offseason question: What will happen with Jaire Alexander?
They released Alexander on Monday, giving Brian Gutekunst’s first-ever draft selection a chance to choose his next destination and both parties a fresh start.
Now, all eyes turn to the biggest remaining question: Will they rework Elgton Jenkins‘ contract?
Jenkins skipped voluntary workouts, but a little bit lost in the Alexander news was NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reporting that Jenkins would report to mandatory minicamp but wasn’t expected to practice.
While skipping the mandatory team events would have financial repercussions, Jenkins wouldn’t be the first player to risk the fines while seeking an updated deal. It’s a good sign that he’s willing to show up and stay involved with the team, and it could be the first step toward clarity between him and Green Bay.
The Packers still employ Jenkins on his current deal. However, he will probably change positions and wants clarity on his future.
With Josh Myers‘ free-agency departure, Jenkins is the top choice to move to center. Still, Jenkins justifiably wants to tweak his contract because of a lack of guaranteed money. Centers also typically have a lower salary.
Jenkins didn’t show up for voluntary OTAs while his team works on a new deal. That was good news for Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk, the team’s next-best options at center, who could take advantage of increased snap opportunities. It’s also good for former first-rounder Jordan Morgan, who got more chances to work with the starters.
Missing voluntary workouts won’t hurt Jenkins. He’s a consistent and versatile player who often receives veteran rest days during the season.
However, while center could be Jenkins’ best position, the team will want him to get practice snaps sooner rather than later. Jenkins filled in at center for Myers last season, and the lack of polish was clear. Jenkins and Jordan Love weren’t on the same page, leading to a few mis-snaps.
While he won’t practice at minicamp, just being there helps. Jenkins will be in team meetings, allowing him to stay updated on playbook changes. He can offer his expertise to his younger teammates and stay in touch with Love to build a different rapport. Even if he’s not taking practice snaps, he’s still the longest-tenured offensive player on the roster, and his leadership is irreplaceable.
It’s not dissimilar to Love’s participation in training camp last July. While Love waited for his eventual extension, he was in the building, studying, working out, and communicating. Love seamlessly stepped into practice once he secured his contract. He could reasonably have stayed home, but it showed a commitment to the team and a willingness to put in all the other work. He merely didn’t risk injury.
Jenkins’ situation looks similar. By all accounts, he’s excited about the opportunity to move to center. He’s got experience at the position, and he’s shown a tremendous ability to play wherever asked.
In the short term, being in the building might just be a way to avoid losing more money. Still, it shows a commitment to remaining engaged with the team and a willingness to participate in meetings. It’s a good sign that this situation can be resolved.
However, the strength of an offensive line is in continuity and teamwork. It’s very much a weakest-link type of group. The sooner Jenkins can practice at center and build continuity on the ideal starting line, the better.
In the meantime, it allows the Packers to see if Rhyan or Monk are long-term options at center, it lets Morgan more easily line up at right guard if Rhyan is at center, and Matt LaFleur’s staff can try different combinations. With no guarantee, Jenkins will be on the roster in 2026, but it pays to see what options the team will have beyond this season.
Because his deal isn’t up yet and the Packers don’t tend to offer third contracts, it’ll be curious to see what happens with Jenkins. He’s in a unique position compared to most holdout candidates. Green Bay invested heavily in the offensive line over the past few seasons, but center is still the one spot without many clear answers.
It makes sense for the Packers to show Jenkins a little extra love, at least for this season. In the meantime, his presence at minicamp means that, hopefully, this situation won’t get ugly when it truly matters.