Envisioning the Perfect Compromise Between the Packers and Elgton Jenkins: A Win-Win Scenario

The Green Bay Packers and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins are currently in a tricky situation called a hold-in. Jenkins reported to minicamp last month but didn’t participate in practices, which is a strategic move to avoid hefty fines. If he had simply not shown up, he could’ve been fined over $100,000. However, this hold-in lets him avoid penalties while staying off the field.

As training camp kicks off, these fines ramp up to $50,000 a day, according to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement from 2020. Jenkins is currently on the non-football injury list, suggesting he may have hurt himself outside of practice. This raises questions about the legitimacy of his injury because of recent conversations in the league. JC Tretter, a former NFLPA executive, suggested that players might want to use fake injuries to negotiate better contracts. His comments led to his resignation after the NFL filed a grievance against the NFLPA.

Moving forward, two main scenarios could unfold:

1. Jenkins stays with the Packers under his current contract for the next two years.
2. A compromise is reached.

Let’s focus on that second option. Jenkins’ frustration likely stems from the lack of commitment from the Packers beyond this season. His 2026 cap hit is projected at $24.8 million, with a dead cap of just $4.8 million, which means the team could save a significant amount if they decided to let him go.

Historically, the Packers manage contracts with big signing bonuses but little guaranteed money afterward. For instance, Zach Tom recently secured a four-year deal with the largest signing bonus ever for an offensive lineman. This structure makes renegotiating extensions tricky, especially so soon after signing.

A potential compromise could involve converting most of Jenkins’ 2026 base salary into a roster bonus, giving him a bit more stability. This way, if the Packers choose to move on, they still have salary cap flexibility, and Jenkins could secure his future earlier than others—preventing a situation like that of former player Jaire Alexander, who faced a late release in the offseason.

In 2026, the Packers will likely be over the salary cap after Tom’s extension, making it imperative to navigate these contracts wisely. If the team is open to negotiating, turning Jenkins’ salary into a roster bonus could benefit both parties.

In short, while the situation may seem complex, it’s all about finding the right balance between team flexibility and player security—a conversation worth having as the season unfolds.



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