It would be fair to argue that Elgton Jenkins' mediocre 2025 season was due in part to a position switch. After losing center Josh Myers in free agency, the Green Bay Packers asked Jenkins to fill the void by sliding over from left guard. What followed was the worst season of his career, and his release this offseason to spare the Packers a massive cap hit.
They made their stance on Jenkins obvious by committing to Sean Rhyan on a three-year, $33 million deal beforehand.
A sour ending to the two-time Pro Bowler's stint in Green Bay did not dissuade the Cleveland Browns in free agency. They handed Jenkins a two-year, $24 million contract that includes $20 million guaranteed. Purely from a financial standpoint, that already feels like an overpay.
Even more hilariously, the Browns seemingly paid him all that money to run back the unsuccessful experiment of playing Jenkins at center. There isn't a better option on Cleveland's depth chart. Shelling out for Jenkins while restoring him to his natural position would be one thing, but this investment is quite another, particularly considering that he suffered a season-ending lower leg injury.
The move just looks like another example of the organizational mismanagement that has defined the Browns' franchise.
Cleveland Browns dismissed multiple red flags to pay up for Elgton Jenkins
Jenkins' injury concerns are not impertinent. After sustaining a fracture and ligament damage in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he missed the remaining eight regular-season games and did not return for the playoffs.
To the relief of Browns fans, Jenkins said he is progressing smoothly through rehab and believes he will be ready by Week 1 next season. Maybe it won't be an issue at all.
On the other hand, making Jenkins the league's fifth-richest center by average annual salary is even more dubious coming off a serious injury. Per Spotrac, only three centers currently under contract can boast a higher annual average in practical guarantees.
The Browns inked the deal despite the fact that he is entering his age-30 season, is naturally a guard, and played poorly after the position change. If he is supposed to come in and start at center, that might be the most alarming red flag of all.
You'd say "make it make sense," but then again, logical roster decisions in Cleveland are the exception, not the rule.
Per Pro Football Focus, Jenkins ranked 25th out of 40 at the position last season. While he graded out quite well in pass protection, a 30th-ranked score in run blocking lowered his overall grade significantly. Factor in his availability issues, and the Packers could claim two of the league's worst contracts on the offensive line in Jenkins and Aaron Banks, his replacement at guard.
They were happy to cut Jenkins and let someone else pay him. Only the Browns were foolish enough to give him the contract they did to continue playing out of position. Good luck.