Green Bay Packers Elgton Jenkins Quiets The Noise Around Contract Holdout

Elgton Jenkins, the Green Bay Packers’ versatile offensive lineman, stepped onto the field Monday for the first time this training camp, and his return has already generated plenty of buzz. After spending much of the offseason as a spectator due to what the team listed as a back injury, Jenkins spoke to the media today, addressing his holdout, his potential move to center, and his mindset as he gears up for the 2025 season. It was a candid, often emotional reflection on where he stands with the Packers and where he hopes to take their offensive line.

Jenkins’ comments pulled back the curtain on both his personal struggles and professional challenges, offering a mix of hope and lingering questions for fans and analysts alike. Here’s what we learned and why it matters for Green Bay’s plans moving forward.

Addressing the Holdout At Green Bay Packers Training Camp

For much of the offseason, Elgton Jenkins avoided the field. He skipped voluntary workouts and was a noticeable “hold-in” during the mandatory minicamp, a move that many speculated was tied to his contract situation. When asked directly about his absence, Jenkins pointed to a family matter as his reason for sitting out of voluntary activities. “It wasn’t about the contract. I had things to take care of at home,” Jenkins told reporters.

While his explanation seemed straightforward, it only partially aligned with reality. Questions remain about why Jenkins didn’t actively participate during mandated events, and his response leaves room for interpretation. “I wasn’t on the field, but I’ve been locked in. My focus has always been to help this team,” he added.

It’s hard not to sense a layer of unspoken tension. At the core of Jenkins’ holdout appears to be his financial future with the Packers. His current deal, a four-year extension signed in 2022, carries non-guaranteed money through 2026. With the Packers facing cap constraints, Jenkins’ contract could be an easy target for restructuring or even release. Similar moves, like Green Bay’s parting ways with former All-Pro Jaire Alexander in June, loom large in players’ minds.

Still, Jenkins emphasized that his priority now is football. “I’m here to play,” he said, brushing aside talk of extensions or release clauses. For the Green Bay Packers, having him mentally and physically committed to the team is a win, but Jenkins’ unwillingness to publicly acknowledge his contract concerns keeps the narrative open-ended.

Elgton Jenkins: The Shift to Center

One of the most intriguing revelations from Elgton Jenkins was his openness—albeit cautious—to playing center this season. Green Bay’s coaching staff signaled its intent to shift Jenkins to the middle of the offensive line during exit interviews last year. At the time, he embraced the idea, but his reported hesitation heading into this season sparked speculation.

“I’ll do anything for the team,” Jenkins asserted post-practice. “But making a move like that, you have to take time to adjust—mentally and physically. These things don’t happen overnight, and I want to be in the best position to succeed for myself and for the team.”

Elgton Jenkins isn’t inexperienced at center. Known for his positional flexibility, Jenkins has played every spot on the offensive line during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. His ability to seamlessly shift roles makes him invaluable, but there’s no denying the complexity of becoming a centerpiece in both protection schemes and leadership on the line. It’s a role that requires sharp communication skills and the ability to anticipate defensive adjustments in real time.

At Monday’s walkthrough practice, Jenkins lined up as the first-team center, a possible signal of where the Packers intend to slot him long-term. However, as live drills began, he was replaced by Sean Rhyan. This suggests the team is taking a measured approach to integrating him back into action and fully transitioning him to the middle.

A Commitment to 2025

Contract rumors and position changes aside, Jenkins made one thing crystal clear in his remarks—he’s ready to commit to 2025. “I’m locked in,” Jenkins said emphatically, adding, “This team has what it takes to compete. I’m here for that.”

While some fans remain concerned about what Jenkins’ offseason absence means for the team’s chemistry, his dedication to preparation appears unwavering. Staying dialed in without on-field reps might be challenging, but Jenkins insists he hasn’t missed a beat. “It’s about staying sharp mentally,” he added. “The physical stuff comes back, but you’ve got to stay prepared every single day upstairs. That’s the only way you can lead.”

This sense of readiness is a pivotal development for the Packers, who desperately need stability on the offensive line. Jenkins’s ability to step into the center position could solidify the team’s protection around quarterback Jordan Love while providing a reliable veteran presence in the trenches. With the NFC North looking wide open, Green Bay’s ability to protect Love and establish the run will be critical—and Jenkins knows the stakes.

Looking Toward the Future

The uncertainty surrounding Jenkins’ long-term role with the Packers still lingers. With no guarantees built into his contract beyond this season, it’s fair to question whether the organization views him as a foundational player moving forward. For his part, Jenkins appears to be focusing solely on the task ahead—getting Green Bay into playoff contention.

“Right now, it’s not about 2026,” Jenkins said when asked about his future with the team. “It’s about making sure we get better every game this season. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself.”

This focus on the present could be exactly what the Green Bay Packers need. For a team that faced significant roster turnover in recent years, possessing veteran leaders like Jenkins—who understand the balance between business and performance—could make a major difference.

The Road Ahead for the Packers

With Jenkins now on the field and demonstrating a willingness to adapt, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line could be one of their biggest assets heading into 2025. If Jenkins thrives as a center, it could reshape Green Bay’s offensive attack and provide stability in a transitional year for the franchise.

Yet, 2025 isn’t without its challenges. The specter of future cap space challenges, lingering player turnover, and divisional rivals improving their rosters means the Packers need to maximize every ounce of talent they have on the field this year. Having Jenkins fully invested will go a long way toward achieving that goal.