Cory's Corner: Elgton Jenkins Is The Face Of Versatility
The 2019 second round pick is now the cornerstone of Green Bay's offensive line.
Versatility wins the day once again.
The Packers inked Elgton Jenkins to a four-year, $68 million extension, proving that the Packers really covet guys that can play more than one position.
“I don’t think there’s a position up front he can’t play,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
The good news for Green Bay is that there’s options. The looming question surrounding the offensive line will be David Bakhtiari. Will the oft-injured 31-year-old be back with the Packers? Can the Packers trust the former All-Pro left tackle to be available and play at least 12 games for the first time since 2020?
Or Jenkins could stay at guard where he would be the No. 2 guard in average pay at $17 million. The only person he would be behind would be the three-time All-Pro Quenton Nelson, who is averaging $20 million.
“This time last year, I was in a dark place,” said Jenkins, which is a reference to Nov. 21 when he tore his ACL. “Just coming off three seasons of playing good, playing well and then you hurt yourself in your third season. I could say I was in a dark place, but I just had to work, work, work my way through this.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins is ranked 10th among all guards as a run blocker and 45th as a pass blocker this year. In 2020, he was 55th as a run blocker and 13th as a pass blocker. The second round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft made 26 of his 34 starts at center while playing at Mississippi State. I agree with LaFleur. There isn’t a position on the offensive line that he cannot play — more importantly, there isn’t a position on the offensive line that he won’t play.
And that’s why Jenkins, who turns 27 on Monday, is a leader in the locker room. Other players see that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win and that attitude becomes contagious. They see how much heart and effort he has poured into his career and they instantly want to use him as an example. The Packers have expected a lot out of Jenkins and he has finished well above expectations. I didn’t think Jenkins was going to be a combination of this good and this versatile. That is the perfect combination for offensive linemen that all teams covet because injuries happen and coaches are forced to play musical chairs with that group.
“Since the moment he walked into the building, Elgton has been a core member of this franchise while displaying an uncommon versatility, unselfishness and toughness,” said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. “He’s a tremendous leader and teammate and he has earned everything that has come to him.”
He certainly has and this deal proves that the Packers value the offensive line and Jenkins will be the next cornerstone of that unit moving forward.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
__________________________
Comments (30)
Coldworld
December 24, 2022 at 06:43 am
He is indeed versatile and has been very good at G the last few weeks, but this is LT type money. The Packers obviously feel he is going to be, or is, back to his pre injury self. There’s no way they pay him and Bakh going forward. Not only would that be exorbitant in terms of cap invested in one position, but it’s seemingly impossible with Rodgers and pointless without him.
So, we are paying him to play tackle, but is that his best spot and the one where we most need his talent? It will be interesting to see how this pans out, but perhaps we move Tom inside or don’t keep Nijman. Personally I’d prefer in isolation to keep Nijman and see Tom as a LT and Jenkins at C or G. I don’t see Tom at RT as naturally and I don’t think that’s the best use of Jenkins.
Perhaps they think Walker or Jones can play RT and are willing to let Nijman walk. Personally, that would seem like being forced to give up trade value as part of getting under the cap. I call that mismanagement. Nijman is young enough and has played LT well enough that he could be a useful trade piece if he’s really not in our plans.
This also likely seals the deal on Jones leaving, but could it also force release as opposed to trade? I can’t see how we get him under the cap to reach the trading window now. Again, that’s throwing away trade value because we’ve overloaded our cap. If we don’t get something more than a comp pick for Jones, that’s just disgraceful cap management and the start of the Murphy/Ball chickens coming home to roost. It’s good to have Jenkins for the next few years, but I think the ramifications may be interesting.
stockholder
December 24, 2022 at 07:03 am
There’s no way they pay him and Bakh going forward. - Very True.
But what Gutey is doing, is over-paying his picks and choices now.
Think about it. If you over-pay them. They appear to be better than they are.
That reflects on him for doing a better job, than other GMs.
Coldworld
December 24, 2022 at 07:42 am
Except that Gute doesn’t control contracts, unlike Ted did. That’s Ball, who only reports to Murphy. Perhaps Gute is on board with that, perhaps he’s only able to recommend retention.
PackyCheese500
December 24, 2022 at 09:40 am
I don’t think he is overpaying Jenkins for a Guard. He is being paid like a top 5 player at the position, which he is
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
December 24, 2022 at 10:42 am
Really?
PackyCheese500
December 24, 2022 at 09:39 am
Nijman can be easily retained via RFA tender for 4.6m. I don’t see why the Packers wouldn’t do that, especially since he has generally played well.
I doubt that we would get much for Jones if we did trade him. This is not to discredit him as a player, but rather, because he is 28 years old and plays a de-valued position that has a very short shelf live. You can find good RBs for a dime a dozen these ways. His 10.4m cap hit is also something that a hypothetical trade partner would take issue with. If we were to trade, the very most I could see us getting is a 4th round pick, and that is rather optimistic.
Coldworld
December 24, 2022 at 01:48 pm
Jones would almost certainly need to rework his deal as part of the longer term contract he likely is looking for. That’s not unusual.
Leatherhead
December 24, 2022 at 04:19 pm
It's a lot of money, but there are several Centers in the league making better than $10 million next year, including our old buddy, Corey Linsley.
My speculation is that we'll trade Bakhtiari, Sign Nijman and play him at LT, but not at top LT money . Play Jenkins at center, move Runyan back to LG, play Tom at RT, and let everybody else fight it out for RG.
Everybody else, right now, includes Myers, Newman, Hanson. And we'd have Caleb Jones and Walker as backup tackles. These guys are one play away from having to start and play against Aaron Donald, so you can't just throw some big dummy out there. Every year, our backups are starting for us in our last game of the year, so you'd better like the #9 guy on the roster. I'd try hard to strengthen this line in the offseason.
I agree that Aaron Jones will depart. Sorry to see him go, but the salary cap relief and trade value make this a solid move for a team trying to rebuild on offense. I do think that we'll be able to find a good RB on Day 2 of the draft, and although he won't replace Jones, it'll allow us to continue the 1-2 punch with Dillon.(who will be in his contract year next year).
stockholder
December 24, 2022 at 06:49 am
I like the signing. Don't like the price. Those are Franchise numbers.
He had a Knee injury listed on Tuesday. And a Did Not Practice on Wednesday.
The NFL has more injuries to the OL, than any other position.
He's also going to be 28 on Monday. And couldn't play RT.
His protection and run blocking numbers this year, don't reflect the Price.
This was a gift. It does show appreciation.
But it isn't the fiscal responsibility expected, per cap hell were in.
Coldworld
December 24, 2022 at 06:59 am
If his knee requires rest next season then I agree. Im assuming it’s just a big man coming off an ACL at a position that’s rough on them. I can’t imagine paying that much if they aren’t medically extremely confident that he’s fully recovered in terms of ongoing health and ability. So I think this has to be a statement that they believe he hasn’t been at full mobility this year—typical after an ACL—and thus that that is not representative. If I am wrong about any of those assumptions then this becomes a much more questionable decision and your points about value become valid.
dobber
December 24, 2022 at 11:39 am
It's not uncommon league-wide to give guys coming off those kinds of injuries a rest day during the week and manage their practice reps.
croatpackfan
December 24, 2022 at 07:23 am
Wow. ACR, by your and some other posters statements was paid for his past performances. Not for the future performances. Now, you are complaining why they paid Elgton Jenkins for his past performances. Interesting take. One can be paid for past and when they do the same for other pro bowler, that is not good act.
Packers are in cap hell exclusively for paying guaranteed money to ACR. Elgton Jenkins got, as far as I understand, contract that is not full guaranteed.
So, pick your poison. Because no player alone can win any game. If you gave bank to one, it is not so unpredictable that others, similarly important players will ask the similar for them. And I do not blame them.
Other question is if that are smart moves, starting with ACR contract, knowing that they have huge contracts with other players, like Bakh, Jones, Alexander, Gary, Clark etc.
I'm really curious to see what they will do to solve the square of the circle. It will be very interesting post season.
stockholder
December 24, 2022 at 07:59 am
Poison- $4 years? If you pay a guy franchise numbers. You franchise him first. ( Because of his current injuries.)
They were high on Runyan at LG. Now they're NOT? And we all knew Bahk needed to play.
But the underlying numbers here say; they can't afford Bahk or Rodgers.
Remember Gutey got rid of a All pro Center in Lindsay.(A Rodgers friend. ) And drafted Myers.
He now is forcing the Rodgers to take a pay cut to save his friend Bahk.
Gutey has hurt Rodgers again. By overpaying his draft choices. And changing the WR room.
And with Garys contract next. Gutey is forcing Rodgers out the door unless he trades Love.
Regardless Gutey is not all in. But in a Rebuild.
Coldworld
December 24, 2022 at 08:33 am
If Jenkins moves to LT, then presumably Runyon could return to LG. Tom seems to be able to move around.
Gute isn’t managing this cap. That’s all Ball. I wish we had a true GM as our real GM. We don’t we have Murphy, who had been many things but not a GM till he appointed himself as such effectively. The results have been dire in terms of cap management, coaching and as you illustrate, accountability and maybe coordination between field and FO.
jannesbjornson
December 24, 2022 at 11:12 am
They could move Tom to center and let Myers handle the LG spot. Myers is good in space on the move. Tom at center would be susceptible to the bull rush. Maybe bring in Schmitz from the Gophers and shift Tom to RT with his great feet and pulling ability. Bhak stays onboard only with a refi.
packer132
December 24, 2022 at 08:45 am
Great move to lock up Jenkins for 4 years, and he can play almost any position on the line. This is not that different from giving a huge contract to Bakh to solidify the best tackle for years. Did you want to let Jenkins go to free agency and sign with the Bears? Linsley was let go as he wanted $13 million a year, and you never pay a center that much. He also has missed 5 games this year and is 31. Being a friend of Rodgers? Players know that the NFL is a business, and they never were close friends. Your hate for Gute is tiring, as he has been one of the top GM's in football. Had he traded Rodgers, almost every fan would have screamed murder, leaving the team with Love. Jordan still has not gotten a chance to play. Gute has been all in for the last 3 years if you followed the team. They re-signed 20 of 22 starters a year ago, A rebuild is not happening in GB. Management has done a good job of retaining top players and Packers have a young and solid team. The draft is where you fill the needs, as no money to buy free agents. Your man crush only thinks of himself, unlike the great Brady. Aaron did not earn his $50 million this year. sorry
stockholder
December 24, 2022 at 09:17 am
Lock him up -yes. ( 4 years No.) Lindsey wanted 10= home discount. He got 13. Once he gave up loyalty.
Yes he missed some time because of a back problem. Which might be from being shunned like Z. Smith.
My Hate for Gute? No- you said this is a business. I say he's out for his own Glory.
And isn't the guy who walks on water," you think." He's made more mistakes than Sherman.
Especially Drafting. Gute drafted Love. Thats not All in!
And you saw the Free Agents signed; to make up for his drafting failures.
Not to mention the failure of 10mil. to Graham.
A TE room, a WRs cupboard, that would have hurt any QB.
I think you better look at the whole team, and management!
( Especially when you think Rodgers didn't earn his money. )
Because No All - pro QB would have come to Green Bay.! Based on their failures as a team. And patches.
croatpackfan
December 24, 2022 at 10:40 am
Packers already have future pro-bowl QB on the roster. He just need to get playing time. This is just for your information!
And, this season ACR is just pro bowl alternative, due to his PAST performances...
jannesbjornson
December 24, 2022 at 11:16 am
If one follows the sporting news, most Fans have pinpointed the Pack's failures to secure another SB with a MVP quarterback under center, is the Drafting. P.S. mentioning sherman, during the Holidays, is hard on the psyche.
Heyward
December 24, 2022 at 10:55 am
Ted did a good job at signing players to team-friendly deals. Gutey almost always pays top dollar, even when the deals are signed well before the player reaches free agency.
Coldworld
December 24, 2022 at 01:50 pm
That would be Ball. He doesn’t work for Gute.
jannesbjornson
December 24, 2022 at 11:07 am
Sounds like they shift him to LT next season and again overpaid for a position if he stays at LG. The prescription was bagging the OT in the second last draft. Do not make the same mistake this 2023 draft. Get a guy capable of handling the LT/RT in the second round. The Packer Way has not been updated in three decades.
stockholder
December 24, 2022 at 11:43 am
He will get hurt if they switch him again. He's 28 now.
dobber
December 24, 2022 at 11:34 am
You're hung up on the AAV. Need to look at the distribution of guarantees, bonuses, and cash value...I haven't seen them reported anywhere, yet.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 25, 2022 at 12:44 am
$24M out of a $68M total value is 35%. That's high for GB. Even $24M out of $74M is 32%. You're correct in that we don't know, but I'd be extremely surprised if anything more than the $24M signing bonus was guaranteed.
Guaranteed money is king, true enough.
PackyCheese500
December 24, 2022 at 09:35 am
I think his base contract is a very fair offer. It makes him a top-5 paid Guard in the league, which he plays up to. I was puzzled by the decision to include all of the incentives to play LT, though. Are they unsure whether Tom can hold up at LT? Are they anticipating Tom moving to Guard? My guess is Jenkins probably wanted some extra money if injuries again force him to play LT. We shall find out.
I also think it was a good decision to not make Jenkins fully guaranteed given his injury history. We obviously learned from the Bakhtiari situation
I think a line of Tom, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, and Nijman is a great line. Give it at least a season to see how they do. If any of those players flop, we can replace them in 2024.
revolson
December 24, 2022 at 10:45 am
If only he could play safety, corner or edge rusher.
lou
December 24, 2022 at 11:03 am
He is their best guard since Gayle Gillingham. Sitton and Lang were All Pro's and Jenkin's if healthy should appear in more Pro Bowls than either of them. Like Bulaga he was a starter Day 1 which you don't see often and it appears Zach Tom could have also accomplished this. He may be getting LT pay but he can play LT as well as Center and Guard, this should be money well spent long term.
LeotisHarris
December 24, 2022 at 03:23 pm
If KehlaniRiver GOT chek of nearly 85000$ for online work, then I don't think any of us can say this is unfair compensation for Jenkins. He's leaving his home to work, it's certainly not easy work anyone (especially a child) could do, plus he's one badass MF. I'm good with it.
Cory's reference to Jenkins as the "cornerstone of Green Bay's offensive line" reminded me of a heading in an old Packer Yearbook; "Koncar Remains the Hub."
cdoemel
December 24, 2022 at 04:06 pm
“Will the oft-injured 31-year-old be back”. That’s not a fair statement. 69 does not have a history of being oft-injured. Not at all actually!! This is one big injury. And you can’t call appendicitis an injury