The Green Bay Packers recently accomplished one of their most important goals of the NFL offseason by agreeing to a four-year contract extension with right tackle Zach Tom. The new deal, which is worth $88M (and could go up to $92M) makes Tom the third-highest paid right tackle in the NFL in terms of annual salary.
The news of this extension was welcomed by fans as Tom, one of the best blockers in the entire NFL, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. While his $22M annual salary is a great deal of money, it is likely far less than he would have made on the open market as a free agent.
With Tom locked up now, many fans wondered what this deal meant for two-time Pro Bowl lineman Elgton Jenkins, who is also looking for some work done on his contract.
Jenkins, as fans are aware, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection at left guard. However, with the departure of Josh Myers in free agency, Green Bay has decided to move Jenkins from left guard to center. The signing of Aaron Banks in free agency all but confirmed that was their intention.
But Jenkins reportedly has some concerns regarding how the position change will affect his future earnings in the NFL. Centers make less money than guards, and his fear is that other teams (or the Packers themselves) will not offer him as much money in a new contract offer after this position switch.
As a result, he has asked Green Bay for a new or revised contract. Jenkins is currently entering the third season of his four-year, $68M contract, his second with the team. And he knows, as fans do too, that the Packers do not usually give up third contracts. So, he is probably looking for an extra year to be added to his current deal or to have more of his money guaranteed.
And while many thought that getting Tom’s deal done might mean that Jenkins’ contract will be addressed next, Packers insider Rob Demovsky reports that is not the case.
“I’m told this doesn’t impact Elgton Jenkins’ situation one way or the other,” he posted on X. “Sounds like the Packers are willing to talk, but possibly not til later in the season after he’s settled in at center. Will be interesting to hear Jenkins’ thoughts when we can talk to him in camp.”
Jenkins sat out Green Bay’s previous offseason activities as he looked for a new or revised deal. He is currently on the team’s non-football injury list with an undisclosed ailment.
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