The Green Bay Packers have effectively closed the chapter on Elgton Jenkins’ tenure with the team as they announced a surprising new contract for Sean Rhyan on Sunday. This move, coming as free agency nears, confirms Jenkins’ likely departure after the Packers’ attempt to shift him to center last season failed and his season was cut short by a fractured lower leg.
The Packers finalized a three-year extension with Rhyan worth $33 million, with incentives potentially pushing the deal to $39 million, a figure that surprises many given Rhyan’s limited experience of only nine starts at center. This contract signals that the Packers are moving away from Jenkins as they prepare their roster for the upcoming season.
Contract Dynamics and Performance Challenges Shape Jenkins’ Exit
Jenkins was approaching his age-31 season with a significant $24.3 million cap hit, making his return under the current terms highly unlikely. His four-year, $68 million contract extension from 2022 included no guaranteed money remaining, intensifying the motivation for a new deal or a parting of ways.
Performance issues contributed heavily to Jenkins’ uncertain future, as he recorded a career-low overall grade of 62.0 at center and allowed 10 pressures and two sacks in just 293 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, the Packers have shown no intention to move on from Aaron Banks, who, despite a modest first season, remains a part of their plans. Rhyan’s significant contract extension appears to have finalized the decision to move on from Jenkins.
Sean Rhyan’s Deal Reflects Packers’ Strategic Shift at Center
The Packers are approaching Rhyan’s role similarly to how they handled Jenkins a year prior, despite Rhyan’s own moderate performance with a 59.2 overall grade across 876 snaps. Rhyan allowed 29 pressures and one sack but demonstrated a stronger running game presence, earning a run-blocking grade of 65.6 compared to Jenkins’ 60.6.
Financial considerations also played a major role, as Rhyan’s $11 million annual average salary is roughly half of Jenkins’ next-season cap hit, giving Green Bay greater salary flexibility while choosing their starting center for 2026. This suggests the Packers have firmly invested in Rhyan as their future at the position.
Potential Outcomes for Jenkins Amid Packers’ Roster Moves
The Packers face a few options for moving on from Jenkins, with a release providing immediate salary cap relief of $19.5 million heading into free agency. However, they might hold off depending on other available center options, such as Cade Mays from the Carolina Panthers and Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens. Should those players secure extensions with their teams, Jenkins could attract trade interest, enabling the Packers to gain assets rather than lose him for nothing.
Regardless of the method, Jenkins’ departure from Green Bay is certain, narrowing the question to whether he enters free agency or lands with a new franchise soon.
Implications for the Packers and the Center Position Going Forward
This decisive move by the Packers signals a shift toward a younger, more cost-effective roster structure while addressing the team’s center position with a long-term commitment to Rhyan. Jenkins’ exit closes a chapter that began with high expectations but ended in uncertainty due to injury and performance concerns. The Packers’ management appears focused on restructuring, maintaining cap flexibility, and preparing for a competitive 2026 season.
The #Packers and OL Sean Rhyan agreed to a 3-year, $33M extension with a max value of $39M, per me and @TomPelissero.
Rhyan becomes one of the highest paid centers after 9 starts at the position. Deal negotiated by @AgentMirza, Cameron Foster and @chriscabott of @EquitySports. pic.twitter.com/1XGgsYvQSF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2026
