Green Bay Packers fans are rightfully on top of the world right now. They reeled in the biggest fish in recent memory, landing superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys. The move sent shockwaves through the NFL world, though the buzz has let some fallout slip through the cracks, like Elgton Jenkins' future in Green Bay.
Jenkins has two seasons remaining on the four-year, $68 million contract extension the Packers signed him to in 2022, but no more guaranteed money. Meanwhile, he's been courteously willing to transition from guard to center full-time to clear the runway for high-priced free-agent acquisition Aaron Banks. The position change hurts the former market value-wise, so this is presumably an attempt to counteract those losses by upping his financial assurances.
However, things are quickly getting expensive in Green Bay. The Packers are committing $100-plus million annually to two players between Parsons' record-setting deal that came with his arrival and franchise quarterback Jordan Love. They become the first team in league history to do so (h/t Brad Spielberger of Grand Central Sports Management). In other words, recent events may squeeze Jenkins out of the picture.
Micah Parsons trade could cost the Packers Pro Bowl OL Elgton Jenkins
This is why there are pessimists of Green Bay going all-in for Parsons. Jenkins is among the many notable potential casualties as a byproduct of their swap with Dallas. It speaks to the long-term limitations that could cap the upside of getting the standout sack artist.
Jenkins has been a key cog along Green Bay's protection unit since they selected him in the second round of the 2019 draft. The two-time Pro Bowler is constantly among the most underappreciated assets in football.
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Not only has he been productive, but his versatility has been critical, manning every spot on the offensive line since joining the Packers. Alas, you must give to get; this is the cost of doing business.
As great as Jenkins has been for the Packers, it's hard to let that get in the way of bringing in a premier talent. Parsons is a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and he's firmly in his prime.
Oddsmakers now consider Green Bay the biggest threat to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles for NFC supremacy in 2025. This is a "pull the trigger now and figure the rest later" transaction with no regrets.