GREEN BAY — It’s official: Elgton Jenkins is moving to center. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed that on Monday—and not a moment too soon. That shift isn’t the only change in the works for Green Bay’s O-line. Free agency moves and internal competition are really starting to heat things up there. That’s setting the stage for a major reshuffling along the trenches.
Jenkins’ move from left guard to center comes after the Packers decided not to re-sign Josh Myers at center. Instead, they signed Aaron Banks, a former San Francisco 49ers lineman, to take over at left guard. Where this leaves the rest of the Packers’ O-line—and who else might be on the move—is what we need to consider.
Elgton Jenkins: A New Role with High Expectations
The Packers have high hopes for Jenkins in his new role. After starting 85 regular-season games across multiple positions in his six-year career—67 at left guard, eight at left tackle, six at right tackle and four at center—Jenkins now has the chance to cement himself as an elite center.
“We think he can be an All-Pro center,” Gutekunst said. “We’ve talked about it a lot, how versatility is key to our offensive line and having guys who can move to different spots. Elgton’s one of those guys who can play all five spots.”
Jenkins started 26 games at center in college at Mississippi State, so he’s got some experience at the position. Some might view the move as a challenge, but Jenkins isn’t worried.
“I don’t think so,” Jenkins said last year when asked if it would be tough. “It’s not like I haven’t played before. It’s just the fundamentals and stuff like that.”
With two years left on his current deal, Jenkins’ play at center could impact future contract talks. Gutekunst wouldn’t comment on negotiations but did say Jenkins is valuable to the team.
“Obviously he’s one of the higher paid guys in the league for a reason—he’s a really good player,” Gutekunst said. “Moving to center was something he’s always thought about in his career and we’re excited to see what he can do.”
Aaron Banks Brings Size and Power to Left Guard
To replace Jenkins at left guard, the Packers signed Aaron Banks to a 4 year, $77 million deal. The 6’5 325 pound lineman brings size and strength to Matt LaFleur’s new run game which is physical and downhill to match Josh Jacobs’ running style.
“He can play physical in the run game and anchor down in pass pro,” Gutekunst said. “He’s played at a high level for a few years now and to get a guy like that in his prime is something I thought would really help us.”
Banks started 43 of 51 games for the 49ers the last 3 years and 2,583 snaps all at left guard. He’s an upgrade in size and reliability in the interior of the line.
Jordan Morgan Enters the Mix: Left Tackle Battle Reopens
Another storyline is the return of 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan, who’s rookie season was essentially wiped out due to a shoulder injury he suffered in training camp. Now healthy, Morgan will compete for the left tackle job – a position he wanted when he got into the league.
“He’ll get a shot there,” Gutekunst said. “I think he’ll really come out. It’ll be good to see that competition and we’ll be better for it.”
Morgan’s emergence could push Rasheed Walker, who started every game at left tackle last year, to step up his game. Gutekunst praised Walker’s consistency but said competition will make him better.
“I think Rasheed’s done a lot of good things for us,” Gutekunst said. “Like anything, you’ve got to keep playing at a high level.”
Contract Extensions Loom for Key Linemen
With three of their rookies—Rasheed Walker, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom—entering their final year of their deals this summer, the Packers have some big decisions to make. While Tom seems like the obvious candidate for an extension given his versatility and importance at right tackle, Gutekunst wouldn’t comment on specifics.
“We’ll get into those conversations probably later on this summer with those guys that are going into their fourth year,” Gutekunst said.
Getting long term deals for these linemen is key to building continuity up front.
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