Browns To Sign OL Elgton Jenkins

Jenkins was released with a failed physical designation, but the Browns will work with the rehabbing blocker. Jenkins agreed to a two-year deal worth $24MM, per NFL.com. Illustrating the interest coming in for the former Pro Bowler, $20MM of that deal is guaranteed.

The Browns explored trading for Jenkins, whom the Packers had dangled before his eventual release. The Ravens were also involved, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Baltimore lost Tyler Linderbaum to Las Vegas (and a record-obliterating center contract) on Monday.

A two-time Pro Bowler as a guard, Jenkins has played both tackle positions and most recently stepped in at center for the 2025 Packers. Green Bay extended Jenkins (four years, $68MM) during his second Pro Bowl campaign, but with one year remaining on that contract, the former second-round pick was deemed expendable. As the Packers have pivoted to other expenses on their O-line, they moved on. The Browns continue to reshape their front with outside vets.

The Browns’ offensive line, which featured five starters and its 2025 sixth man unsigned entering free agency, is taking shape. Cleveland traded for Tytus Howard and gave the ex-Texans starter an extension. The Browns then signed former Chargers first-rounder Zion Johnson. Spot starter Teven Jenkins re-signed with the team today, and Elgton Jenkins is coming in as well. With both Johnson and Teven Jenkins entrenched as guards, it would seem the Browns will ask Elgton Jenkins to play center.

Jenkins, 30, is coming off a season shortened by a lower leg fracture and ligament damage. That injury occurred in mid-November. While Jenkins had initially hoped to return late in the season, his failed physical designation points to the injury taking longer than expected to heal. But the Browns appear unconcerned with the accomplished veteran’s 2026 status. Jenkins has only played one season of center in the pros, but Cleveland looks likely to ask for an encore.

The Browns lost four-year center Ethan Pocic to an Achilles tear in December; the veteran is going into an age-31 season. Jenkins will turn 31 in December but has been a better player. A linchpin of the Packers’ O-line to close the Aaron Rodgers era, Jenkins earned Pro Bowl acclaim in 2020 and ’22 at guard. Green Bay used him at right tackle in between those seasons before deciding guard would be the best spot for the former second-rounder. When the Pack signed Aaron Banks last year, however, they slid Jenkins to center. A raise request was then met with silence from the team, but Jenkins has landed on his feet despite the 2025 injury.

It is possible the Browns have rounded out their O-line. The Jenkinses will join Johnson along the interior as Howard — frequently used at LG — will return to his natural RT post. Dawand Jones may be given a shot to win the LT job, but he has suffered two season-ending injuries in three years. The Browns could certainly go tackle at No. 6 overall.