Elgton Jenkins is as good as gone. That much we already know.
Exactly how the Green Bay Packers move on is less certain, considering Jenkins' declining production, season-ending injury, and skyrocketing cap hit. Many assumed the Packers would have no choice but to release their two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman.
Not so fast. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, buzz from the NFL Scouting Combine suggests the Packers could surprisingly find a trade partner for Jenkins.
"Two offensive linemen to potentially be included in trades are Green Bay's Elgton Jenkins and Denver's Ben Powers. Both have large cap hits and potential value," Fowler writes, while providing intel from what he heard at the combine.
The Green Bay Packers could surprisingly find a trade partner for Elgton Jenkins
The Packers will create $19.53 million by releasing or trading Jenkins. It's one of several cap-saving moves they can make, and it's by far the biggest. However, a trade never seemed likely.
It feels like the Jaire Alexander situation from a year ago. The Packers couldn't trade him. Why would other teams give away draft assets if they know you will release the player regardless? That's why nobody expected a Packers-Jenkins trade.
The acquiring team would take on a $19.53 million cap hit, although it's only for one season before he becomes a free agent. Perhaps a team with cap space to burn would be willing to make that move if it guarantees they can make a deal.
Green Bay likely couldn't expect much draft capital in return. We're probably talking a late Day 3 selection, perhaps even a conditional pick. But that's OK. Receiving anything for Jenkins, who is likely going to be a cap casualty anyway, would be a massive win, especially as the Packers don't own a first-round pick. Acquiring draft ammunition is a smart idea, even if it isn't a premium pick.
Jenkins is a two-time Pro Bowler, with most of his success coming at left guard. The Packers moved him to center in 2025, but the experiment didn't work. While he remained reliable in pass-protection, Jenkins struggled for consistency in the run game. His 62.0 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 25th among 40 centers, while his 60.6 run-blocking grade was good for just 30th.
Perhaps a team believes having Jenkins shift back to left guard will allow him to recapture his best form. That's debatable, but the possibility could tempt a team in need of interior offensive line help.
A release still feels like the most likely outcome, but Fowler's intel from the NFL Combine is notable, to say the least. Getting any draft capital, even a late Day 3 pick, would be a big win for the Packers.