The Green Bay Packers have released veteran offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, freeing up $19.5 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. The move comes just one year after Jenkins transitioned from left guard to center, a position change that reportedly caused friction between the player and the organization.

Jenkins, 30, was entering the final year of a four-year, $68 million extension signed in 2022 that made him one of the NFL's highest-paid guards. His release follows the Packers' signing of Sean Rhyan to a three-year, $33 million contract to replace him at center. The decision marks a significant shift in the team's offensive line strategy after Jenkins made the Pro Bowl twice during his tenure with Green Bay.

The timing is notable as Jenkins had missed most of the 2025 offseason program after requesting contract adjustments to offset potential earnings losses from the position change. His season ended prematurely when he suffered a fractured ankle in November against Philadelphia. With Jenkins and defensive end Rashan Gary both departing in the same offseason, quarterback Jordan Love now stands as the longest-tenured player remaining from the 2019 draft class.