Green Bay Packers: 2x Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins Reveals True Feelings on Position Change, Contract Rumors

One of the biggest stories surrounding the Green Bay Packers this offseason has been the position change, and following absences, of two-time Pro Bowl left guard Elgton Jenkins. Early in the spring, it was quite clear that Green Bay had no intention of bringing back 2021 second round pick Josh Myers, who had been the Packers’ starting center since he was drafted. He ended up signing a one-year prove-it deal with the New York Jets.

With Myers no longer in the fold, many wondered who the Packers would have play center. Zach Tom has long mentioned as a potential option there, as has second-year lineman Jacob Monk.

But, to the shock of many, Green Bay opted to move Jenkins, who (as mentioned) is a two-time Pro Bowl left guard, to the position. They also signed Aaron Banks to a four-year $77 million contract to fill the hole left at left guard with Jenkins moving to center.

It Was Reported that Green Bay Packers Star Elgton Jenkins Was Holding Out for a Revised Contract

Green Bay Packers: 2x Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins Reveals True Feelings on Position Change, Contract Rumors 4

After the Packers announced that Jenkins was going to be moving to center while Banks would be entrenched at left guard, there were a series of reports that came out the two-time Pro Bowler was not happy.

It was not that he minded the position switch. After all, he played center in college and filled in at the position in 2021 when Myers was out with an injury.

Instead, these reports stated that Jenkins was concerned that the position switch would affect his earning capabilities in the NFL after his contract in Green Bay comes to an end. Centers do not make as much money as guards, and it was believed that Jenkins wanted some extra guarantees from the Packers in exchange for making the switch.

And when Jenkins did not report to Green Bay for OTA’s and mandatory mini camp, fans began to worry that they had a real contract holdout on their hands. This was assumed to be the case, too, when Jenkins started training camp on the non-football injury list.

Green Bay Packers Center Elgton Jenkins Shoots Down Contract Rumors

Green Bay Packers: 2x Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins Reveals True Feelings on Position Change, Contract Rumors 5

As it turns out, though, none of these reports and rumors were true. Jenkins returned to practice on Tuesday, participating in individual drills only as he ramps up his activity.

He had injured his back lifting weights during the offseason, which is why he started camp on the NFI. As for OTA’s, well, he had some family matters to attend to:

As Ryan Wood notes, Jenkins spoke the Packers twice this offseason. The first time when they asked him about switching positions, and the second when he told them he would.

What is more, per Wood, Jenkins has been planning a move to center for some time now:

This is great news for Green Bay, who will be relying on Jenkins as their longest-tenured lineman, again, to lead the group tasked with protecting Jordan Love and opening holes for the run game.

More must-reads:

Steelers reporter shares big claim about how Aaron Rodgers has looked in training camp
10 Overvalued or Undervalued players in fantasy football entering training camp
The 'NFL all-time touchdown receptions leaders' quiz