The Green Bay Packers enter the 2026 NFL offseason facing a familiar but pressing challenge: salary cap constraints. Like several teams across the league, Green Bay is currently projected to be over the 2026 salary cap limit, forcing the front office to evaluate difficult roster decisions, contract restructures, and potential veteran releases.

While restructures can create flexibility and allow the Packers to retain key contributors, not every contract is a viable candidate for adjustment. In some cases, performance, age, injury history, or internal dynamics make a release more likely. One name that continues to surface in league circles is veteran offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins.

Elgton Jenkins Emerging as a Likely Cap Casualty

For months, speculation has surrounded Jenkins’ future in Green Bay. Releasing him would reportedly free up approximately $20 million in salary cap space—an enormous figure for a team looking to regain financial flexibility.

According to a recent report from Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, many around the NFL expect the Packers to move on from Jenkins before the start of the new league year.

Huber noted that at 30 years old, coming off a season-ending injury, and falling short of All-Pro-level expectations, Jenkins is widely viewed as a likely release candidate.

Breaking Down Elgton Jenkins’ 2026 Cap Hit

Jenkins’ contract numbers help explain why his name is at the forefront of Green Bay’s cap conversation.

For the 2026 season, Jenkins carries:

• A cap hit of approximately $24.33 million

• An $18.5 million base salary

• $1 million in per-game roster bonuses

• A $500,000 roster bonus

• Roughly $20 million in total cash owed

Those figures are substantial—especially for a center. In fact, they rank among the highest at the position league-wide.

For a team operating over the cap threshold, that kind of financial commitment becomes increasingly difficult to justify, particularly if performance and health concerns linger.

Position Change and Contract Tension

Beyond the numbers, context matters. Last season, Jenkins was moved to center—a shift that reportedly caused frustration. The veteran lineman was not pleased with the position change and even held out of team activities while attempting to renegotiate aspects of his contract.

Position flexibility has long been considered one of Jenkins’ strengths, but the move to center came with heightened scrutiny. The transition did not result in the elite-level dominance that once defined his play, and the tension surrounding his contract only added to the uncertainty.

When contract disputes and performance questions converge, organizations often opt for financial reset rather than long-term negotiation.

Injury Concerns Add to the Uncertainty

Jenkins is also coming off a season-ending injury, which further complicates the situation. At 30 years old, durability becomes a critical factor in evaluating high-salary veterans.

NFL teams are increasingly cautious about allocating significant cap space to players with recent injury histories, particularly when younger, more cost-controlled alternatives may be available through the draft or free agency.

If the Packers believe they can replace Jenkins’ production at a lower cost, the financial logic of releasing him becomes even stronger.

How Releasing Jenkins Impacts the Packers’ Cap Situation

The financial implications are significant. By releasing Jenkins, Green Bay would clear nearly $20 million in cap space. That single move could be enough to push the Packers under the 2026 salary cap.

From there, additional restructures or minor roster cuts could create meaningful spending flexibility in free agency.

For a team hoping to remain competitive in the NFC while retooling key areas of the roster, cap relief of that magnitude provides options:

• Pursuing mid-tier free agents

• Extending younger cornerstone players

• Reinforcing depth along the offensive and defensive lines

• Maintaining emergency cap flexibility during the season

In today’s NFL, cap management is as critical as on-field execution.

A Difficult Decision for Green Bay

It’s important to recognize what Jenkins has meant to the franchise. Since being drafted, he has been one of the most versatile and reliable offensive linemen on the roster. His ability to play guard, tackle, and center made him a valuable chess piece for the coaching staff.

However, the NFL is ultimately a business. Teams must balance loyalty and past performance with future projections and financial sustainability.

If the Packers determine that Jenkins’ cap hit outweighs his projected 2026 value, releasing him may be the pragmatic decision—even if it’s unpopular among fans.

What’s Next for the Packers?

If Jenkins is released, Green Bay will likely turn to a younger lineman already on the roster or address the position in the NFL Draft. Offensive line depth remains critical, especially with the evolving demands of modern defensive fronts.

Additionally, restructuring other veteran contracts could still be part of the broader strategy. But Jenkins’ contract stands out because of its immediate impact potential.

With the start of the new league year approaching, clarity should come soon.

Final Outlook

The Green Bay Packers’ 2026 offseason will hinge on smart financial maneuvering. Elgton Jenkins’ contract situation represents one of the most consequential decisions the front office must make.

Releasing him would provide nearly $20 million in cap savings—enough to reset the team’s financial standing and open the door to roster improvements.

Whether Green Bay ultimately moves on or finds a compromise solution, one thing is clear: difficult choices are ahead. In a league defined by parity and tight margins, cap management often determines competitive windows.

And for the Packers, the clock is ticking.