The Green Bay Packers made a splash move this offseason by signing left guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million deal with $27 million in guarantees. The deal was somewhat of a surprise as Elgton Jenkins, who had manned the position last year, is just 29 years old and continues to play at a high level.
Soon after, it was announced that the two-time Pro Bowler would move to center. While he has no problem with the move back to center, the position he played in college, Jenkins has not been present at the Packers’ voluntary offseason workouts. The reason for that was revealed on Wednesday.
Elgton Jenkins’ Reason For Missing Packers Voluntary Workouts Revealed
Jenkins has two years remaining on the four-year, $68 million contract he signed before the 2023 NFL season. However, he has his eye on his next deal as his decision to miss voluntary offseason workouts is reportedly tied to his contract.
Rob Demovsky of ESPN revealed that the offensive lineman’s absence is due to the potential for the position change to affect his pay in upcoming negotiations.
Demovsky reported, “Elgton Jenkins doesn’t necessarily have a problem with moving to center full time, but sources say the two-time Pro Bowl left guard would like the Green Bay Packers to make it more financially stable for him to do so. That’s the reason he has so far stayed away from the offseason workouts, multiple sources told ESPN.”
“Jenkins has two years left on a four-year, $68 million contract extension he signed in December of 2022. It was designed to pay him as if he were staying at guard while remaining competitive if he moved to the higher-priced tackle position. The average of $17 million would make him among the highest-paid centers in the league.”
“The problem, however, is that centers typically make far less than the highest-paid guards or tackles, so Jenkins’ concerns are tied to future earnings, which could be significantly lower as a center. He is under contract through the 2026 season and is scheduled to make $12.8 million this season and $20 million in 2026, when he will be 30 years old.”
Demovsky noted that the Packers rarely adjust contracts with more than one year remaining, adding that guaranteeing more of the remaining $32.8 million could be a compromise. The Pro Bowl offensive lineman has played at every position on the line since joining Green Bay. However, his next contract could be his final opportunity at one more massive payday.