The clock is ticking. With the new league year approaching and the Green Bay Packers sitting slightly over the projected salary cap, tough decisions are no longer hypothetical. They are imminent.
Cap Hit Makes Packers Likely Decision to Release a Former Pro Bowler Hard to Avoid
One of the biggest involves two-time Pro Bowl lineman Elgton Jenkins. Multiple reports indicate he is “widely expected” to be released before free agency begins. At this point, it feels less like speculation and more like timing.
Jenkins carries a massive $24.3 million cap hit in 2026. He is owed roughly $20 million in cash between his $18.5 million base salary, per-game roster bonuses, and a roster bonus. For a player who shifted to center in 2025, those numbers are difficult to justify.
NFL.com’s Matt Okada wrote, “Those numbers are extremely high for a guard — fourth-highest cap hit on the team — and unheard of for a center. Realistically, it would be shocking if Green Bay, which is slightly over the cap currently, kept Jenkins on the payroll, at least without some sort of significant restructuring.”
The financial math is simple. Releasing Jenkins before June 1 would free up more than $19.5 million in cap space. That is the Packers’ clearest path toward financial flexibility.
Performance trends also matter. Jenkins is ranked No. 75 among quarterbacks in the NFL in PFSN’s Player OL Impact Metric through 9 games, with a 78.0 grade, before suffering a season-ending lower-leg injury. He allowed 2 sacks on 289 pass-blocking snaps, but his run-blocking grades over the past two seasons ranked among the lowest of his career. His pass protection dipped as well, allowing more sacks in nine games in 2025 than he had in the previous two seasons combined.
The 2019 second-round pick was once one of the NFL’s most versatile and reliable linemen. He made two Pro Bowls and played guard, tackle, and center during his seven-year tenure.
The Packers were ranked No. 14 in offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric for 2025. Green Bay’s roster dynamics add pressure. Aaron Banks is under contract long-term. Sean Rhyan showed promise at center. The team could look to the draft or a cheaper veteran option.
The Packers still view themselves as contenders behind quarterback Jordan Love. Reallocating nearly $20 million could allow general manager Brian Gutekunst to address cornerback, defensive tackle, or other priority needs.
Nothing is official yet. But around the league, the expectation is clear. Unless a major restructure materializes, Jenkins’ time in Green Bay could be ending just before free agency begins.
