Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry entered free agency needing to figure out what to do at the center position.
Ethan Pocic, who held down the position for the past four seasons, is a free agent while also recovering from a torn Achilles that ended his 2025 season after 13 games.
Luke Wypler finished out the final five games of the season, but suffered a knee injury in the season finale. It was Wypler’s latest injury, as he missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a fractured ankle
in the preseason.
While the team continues to say good things about the recovery of both Pocic and Wypler, Berry was still keen to add some new faces, which led him to sign veteran Elgton Jenkins in free agency.
A second-round selection by the Green Bay Packers in 2019, Jenkins has 94 career starts across four positions on the offensive line. His best work came at left guard, but he did play nine games at center for the Packers in 2025 before suffering his own season-ending injury.
That versatility could come in handy depending on what happens with Pocic and Wypler, as well as whether or not Joel Bitonio returns for another season at left guard.
With the first week of free agency drawing to a close, let’s take a look at some opinions on the decision to sign Jenkins.
ESPN’s Seth Walder: A
The Browns entered this offseason needing starters at all five offensive line positions. So it makes sense they ended up with the ultimate position-less offensive lineman in Jenkins, who has significant experience at center, guard and tackle.
Jenkins had been in line to make $20 million from the Packers in 2026, per OverTheCap.com, so Green Bay cut him. That worked out to the benefit of the Browns, who are scooping him up.
Jenkins played last season at center and had middling results, ranking in the 47th and 57th percentiles in pass block win rate and run block win rate, respectively, before a fractured ankle on Nov. 10 ended his season. It was roughly a similar story for him – in terms of win rates – at guard the previous year.
Beacon Journal’s Chris Easterling: C+
The Green Bay Packers cut Elgton Jenkins for a failed physical because of lingering effects from a season-ending ankle injury suffered in Week 9 in 2025. The Browns wasted no time signing the soon-to-be 30-year-old to continue to re-fortify the interior of the offensive line. He was a two-time Pro Bowl guard, but also can play center, so he’s another versatile piece for the Browns to use. The injury concerns knock this down to the final grade, but Jenkins is far from a bad signing.
Pro Football Focus: Average
After spending the first seven years of his career in Green Bay, and making two Pro Bowls in the process, Jenkins now heads to Cleveland. While he’s been consistently good as a pass blocker, finishing with at least a 72.5 PFF pass-blocking grade or better in each of the past three years, his performance on the ground has waned in that time. Jenkins’ versatility will be a boon for the Browns’ remodeled offensive line, but giving him $20 million guaranteed feels a bit risky based on both his health and recent play.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper: B+
The Packers announced Jenkins’ release on Monday. He officially appeared on Tuesday’s transaction wire. By Tuesday evening, he had already found a new home with the Browns. Jenkins started at center for the Packers last season before he suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 10. In 2023 and 2024, he was predominantly a left guard, his best position. Jenkins also kicked out to tackle at times. The Browns needed bodies up front, with all five of their starters from 2025 set to hit free agency. Jenkins is a good fit because of his versatility. The Browns agreed to terms with Zion Johnson for $16.5 million per year. Johnson is a left guard. Jenkins could fit at center. The Browns could try him at right guard or tackle. After trading for guard/tackle Tytus Howard and re-signing guard Tevin Jenkins, the Browns have options up front. It’s been a pretty impressive single-offseason rebuild so far.
A to Z Sports: B+
Jenkins gives the Browns a proven starter with seven years of experience all with the Packers. The 6-foot-5, 311-pound offensive lineman gives the Browns a veteran presence along the interior of the offensive line and he can start at center or guard. My expectation is that Elgton will be the Browns’ starting center in 2025 with Luke Wypler serving as his backup. Though, the possibility exists for Elgton to play at guard for the Browns.
Cleveland needed a fresh start up front and bringing in Jenkins is another example of them working toward it. The Browns now have four of five offensive line spots filled with a void still at left tackle.
Jenkins has experience as a left guard and center, but was most recently the Packers’ starting center in 2025 for nine games before he fractured his leg. Up to then, Jenkins had been what he’s been all his career, a good pass blocker and below average run blocker. In 310 pass blocking reps last season, Jenkins gave up two sacks and 10 pressures.
The Browns needed better pass protection and this addition fits the bill.
So there is a sampling of what the national media has to say about the Browns signing Jenkins. Now it is your turn – let us know what you think of Cleveland’s newest offensive lineman in the comments!
