Two important Packers players are sitting out OTAs, but the situation might actually benefit the team in the long run

Organized team activities (OTAs) are voluntary, so it shouldn't be a surprise when some players decide to skip it. However, the Green Bay Packers make everything possible to be sure every player on the 90-man roster is a part of it. With veterans, it's common practice to add workout bonuses based on offseason program attendance, and to some of them it's a significant amount of money.

On Wednesday, the Packers had their first day of practice open to the media. Cornerback Jaire Alexander and center Elgton Jenkins were not present, though. In both cases, there are contract causes and ramifications, and while it's at first bad that two important pieces are not practicing, the long-term outcome is probably good for the team.

Guard John Williams and cornerback Tyron Herring, both rookies, were not present either.

Cause

In Jaire Alexander's case, it's a more obvious situation. Earlier in the offseason, the Packers were open to trading him away, and even though it didn't happen for several reasons, his future with the team is still uncertain.

The Packers did make an offer to reach a restructure on Alexander's contract, but he hasn't accepted that yet. Without a revision on his deal, it's hard to believe that Green Bay will ultimately keep him. Risking injuries in a voluntary workout would be a bad outcome for everyone.

Meanwhile, with Elgton Jenkins, it's the player who wants a revised deal. He's under contract for two more seasons, but there are no guarantees left and he's making a transition to center—which is a less valuable position on the market. At 29, this is the perfect time for Jenkins to try to get paid once again—or at least get a better structure out of his current contract.

It's still unclear what the Packers will do with Jenkins, and he doesn't have much leverage to hold out in training camp. But it's easy to see why he would skip OTAs.

Ramifications

Both Alexander and Jenkins have significant workout bonuses tied to offseason participation. It's $700,000 for the cornerback and $500,000 for the offensive lineman. It means that if both players don't reach the amount of offseason work needed for the bonuses, the Packers will have this money credited back onto their salary cap.

This won't hit the cap in 2025. However, the $1.2 million in extra cap space would be credited for the Packers in 2026. And it's particularly important considering that the Packers are $8.954 million over the projected cap space for next season, and that's with only 48 players under contract.

Ideally, Green Bay would want to solve the situations of Jaire Alexander and Elgton Jenkins as soon as possible. However, it doesn't seem that bad if they are out of OTAs. Meanwhile, the coaching staff can use the extra reps to build a stronger depth.