The Green Bay Packers have been reluctant in the past to spend much money to help veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, But Friday saw them make a big decision regarding offensive guard Elgton Jenkins, which should boost Rodgers for years to come.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers and Jenkins have agreed to terms on a massive four-year contract extension. It’s worth $68 million in base value, with a maximum value of $74 million.
The Packers certainly paid a pretty steep price to get this move done. This contract will make Jenkins the second-highest-paid guard in NFL history.
While it may have been an expensive deal to get done, many around the NFL world believe that it is ultimately justified considering what Jenkins has brought to Green Bay since being drafted in 2019.
“Go ahead and scratch his name off the list of free agent prizes in March. Elgton Jenkins would have been one of the most sought-after talents had he reached the marketplace,” tweeted Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune.
“Solid deal for Elgton Jenkins, at an APY of $17 million, shy only of Quenton Nelson at his position. Last year, before his injury, he was one of the best linemen in the league, regardless of position. A little more up and down this year, but also still returning to health,” tweeted Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer.
Jenkins (#74, seen above in a Nov. 27 game) has provided versatility for the Packers in his tenure with the team, previously stepping in at offensive tackle for the team along with playing guard.
This move shows that despite some struggles this year, the organization is still focused on winning now and has the confidence in Rodgers to do so.
[Ian Rapoport on Twitter; photo from Eric Hartline/USA Today Sports ]
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.