The Green Bay Packers are expected to have a significantly different lineup in 2026, largely due to pressing salary cap constraints that will force the team to release several veteran players, including possibly Pro Bowl pass rusher Rashan Gary. Another notable name likely to be affected is Elgton Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman. If the Packers decide to part ways with Jenkins, it would free approximately $20 million in salary cap space. Despite the high probability of his release, there is speculation that Jenkins may instead be moved in a trade, attracting interest from other teams such as the Seattle Seahawks.
Why Elgton Jenkins is a Top Trade Target for Seattle
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently highlighted Jenkins as the ideal trade acquisition for the Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions aiming to reinforce their roster for another deep playoff run. Seattle’s offensive line, particularly the interior, is viewed as an area needing improvement. Gray Zabel stands as the only dependable lineman currently, prompting the Seahawks to seek experienced players to bolster their front.
Ballentine explains,
“The Seahawks proved to be the best team in the playoffs, but upgrading the interior of the offensive line could be critical to repeating. Gray Zabel is the only piece they should feel confident in going into the 2026 season. Fortunately, the Seahawks are flush with cap space and could make an aggressive move to get a veteran starter if they want. They could take advantage of the Packers’ cap situation to make a run at Elgton Jenkins. The versatile offensive lineman has played just about every spot for the Packers, but did not play well when moved to center last season. Last offseason, the Bears were able to get Joe Thuney from the Chiefs for a fourth-round pick. The Seahawks don’t have a fourth-rounder so they might have to get creative, but Jenkins would patch up one of the few holes on the Seahawks roster. A pick swap and the ability to take on Jenkins’ $18.5 million salary could facilitate the upgrade for Seattle.”
This analysis points to Seattle’s readiness to utilize their salary cap flexibility to acquire Jenkins despite the complexity around draft pick assets. Ballentine suggests that a trade involving a pick swap plus the acquisition of a 2026 third-round pick heading to Green Bay would be attractive compensation, especially as the Packers currently lack a first-round pick after their earlier trade sending picks to the Dallas Cowboys in the Micah Parsons deal.
Potential Trade Mechanics and Green Bay’s Dilemma
The approach to securing Jenkins might require the Seahawks to be inventive due to their limited mid-round draft capital. Nevertheless, the prospect of addressing a pressing need on the offensive line with a versatile player like Jenkins, who has experience across almost every offensive line position, may outweigh the complications.
For Green Bay, getting any form of compensation for Jenkins would be preferable to releasing him outright. However, given that Jenkins is expected to be cut to alleviate salary cap pressure, interested teams may prefer to wait until he becomes a free agent so they can avoid surrendering draft picks.
Broader Packers Roster Moves and Seahawks’ Strategic Window
Along with Jenkins and Gary, the Packers’ changes signify a major roster shakeup heading into the 2026 season. Seattle, meanwhile, is looking to capitalize on its Super Bowl momentum and cap room by targeting veteran players that fill critical gaps.
Such moves could impact competitive dynamics in the NFC North and West, affecting playoff forecasts and team-building strategies as the NFL offseason progresses.
