Green Bay Packers All-Pro Guard Absent From Team Workouts

The Green Bay Packers spent the offseason retooling their offensive line. They paid top dollar for former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Aaron Banks and also drafted some young prospects. Most notably, they did not re-sign center Josh Myers. The initial plan looks to be to move All-Pro guard Elgton Jenkins to that position. However, Jenkins apparently isn’t as on board with the decision under his current contract. He was absent from team workouts today, amidst the contract issue.

Green Bay Packers Elgton Jenkins Absent

Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich revealed in a press conference that Elgton Jenkins was “open” to the position change and “excited” about the move. However, it seems he wants a reworked contract in order to make it happen. He turns 30 this year and has two years left on his deal. Banks was given $77 million over the next four years, way more than Jenkins, who is objectively a better player. Furthermore, Jenkins’ deal is structured so that he would be a prime cut candidate next offseason.

Jenkins wants financial stability from the Green Bay Packers. GM Brian Gutekunst stated he believes the former second-round pick can be an “All-Pro center.” However, the team probably wants to see how he performs before paying him. The issue is that they really do not have another center on the roster, and Jenkins is their best player on the offensive line by far.

How Will This Resolve?

The Green Bay Packers need Jenkins on the line this year. This young roster needs some veteran talent at key positions. The rest of the offensive line is slated to be very young, and having a savvy veteran is essential to their success. Jenkins went down with an injury in their playoff game against Philadelphia, and Jordan Love was immediately under tons of pressure from the defensive line. The Packers have historically been very good at manipulating the salary cap.

With so many young players on the roster, they should be able to find a way to give Elgton Jenkins the long-term financial stability he desires while also not murdering their salary cap down the road when all of these young players need second contracts.

Final Thoughts

Fans never want to hear about contract disputes. However, it makes sense that a player nearing the end of his prime wants financial stability. Things change fast in the NFL so you cannot fault players for wanting to secure their financial future. Will the Green Bay Packers resolve this quickly, or will be it be an ongoing issue into training camp?