Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry entered the offseason by declaring a plan to make a “heavy investment” into an offense that put little fear into the hearts of defenses across the league.
While the key parts of that investment are still to come in the 2026 NFL Draft, Berry has been true to his word when it comes to rebuilding an offensive line that may have five new starters come the fall.
It started with last week’s trade with the Houston Texans for veteran offensive tackle Tytus Howard.
It continued with the reported signing of free agent guard Zion Johnson from the Los Angeles Chargers and the official re-signing of guard Teven Jenkins.
There are still holes to fill, however, and late on Wednesday, the news broke that the Browns plan to sign free agent center/guard Elgton Jenkins from the Green Bay Packers on a reported two-year deal for $24 million, with $20 million in guaranteed money.
That is according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
A second-round pick by the Packers in 2019, Jenkins has played in 96 career games, all with Green Bay, making 94 starts. When healthy, he has played well, making the Pro Bowl (for what that is worth) in 2020 and 2022 at left guard, before the Packers moved him to center last season.
The position switch did not sit well with Jenkins, as he feared a future loss in salary, given that centers generally make less money. Jenkins wanted the Packers to add more guaranteed money to his current contract, but the Packers said “no thank you,” and Jenkins played nine games at center before suffering a season-ending fractured ankle.
Jenkins was a versatile player with the Packers, as he has played at least six games at every position on the offensive line except right guard. The highest number of games have come at left guard, 67, which could be a signal that the Browns are protecting themselves at both left guard, in case Joel Bitonio retires, and at center, as free agent Ethan Pocic and Luke Wypler are both still recovering from season-ending injuries in 2025.
What do you say, Browns fans? Feeling any better about the offensive line after these reported moves? Let everyone know your thoughts in the comments!
