The Green Bay Packers are already cap compliant, even after some of the moves they’ve made, because of the trade of defensive end Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys. In theory, they could have squatted on offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins until a trade offer came in, if that’s the direction they wanted to go. Instead, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Jenkins will be released by the Packers, which will clear $19.5 million in cap space for Green Bay.
Since the Packers didn’t need the cap space,
this might be a precursor to Green Bay making a big deal. It could come in the cap casualty or trade market, but if it’s for a compensatory free agent, the team will pay the price of the big free agent’s contract, plus they will likely turn one of their expected third- or fourth-round compensatory draft picks (in 2027) into a sixth-round pick.
As far as positions of need go, it’s probably either on the defensive line or at cornerback. There’s not a big swing left at defensive tackle, and the cornerback board has been nuked since the start of the legal tampering period, so if we’re guessing on a target, Seattle cornerback Tariq Woolen (ranked 16th player in the free agent class) makes the most sense.
Jenkins was drafted by the Packers in 2019 and was named a Pro Bowler in 2020 and 2022. He’s played all five offensive line positions for the team, but recently moved to a full-time center in 2025. In Week 10 of last year, Jenkins fractured his leg and tore ligaments, leading to his being placed on the season-ending injured reserve.
The Packers have committed to Sean Rhyan being their starting center in 2026, after they signed him to a three-year contract. The team’s expected offensive line for 2026 is Jordan Morgan-Aaron Banks-Sean Rhyan-Anthony Belton-Zach Tom (left to right) with Darian Kinnard (who just re-signed on a one-year deal) being their sixth lineman.
