The Green Bay Packers and their star offensive lineman, Elgton Jenkins, find themselves in a delicate contract situation. Jenkins, who skipped OTAs and held in during mandatory minicamp, is pushing for a better deal with two years left on his current contract. However, the Packers have a firm policy against extending non-quarterbacks with multiple years remaining, creating a potential standoff. The good news? The Packers have creative tools beyond a full-blown extension to keep Jenkins happy in 2025 while maintaining their roster-building philosophy.
The Situation: A Delicate Balance
Jenkins’ case is unique. With no guaranteed money left on his deal and a transition from guard to the less valuable center position, he’s seeking financial security now. Meanwhile, the Packers are hesitant to break their precedent of avoiding early extensions for non-quarterbacks, as it could complicate future negotiations. However, both sides have room to negotiate creative solutions that align their interests without a traditional extension.
Here are four strategies the Packers can employ to bridge the gap and keep Jenkins motivated for the 2025 season:
1. Non-Likely to Be Earned Incentives (NLTBE)
NFL contracts include two types of incentives: Likely to Be Earned (LBTE) and Non-Likely to Be Earned (NLTBE). LBTE incentives count against the salary cap immediately but are credited back the following year if unmet. NLTBE incentives, however, don’t hit the cap until the following year if achieved, making them a cap-friendly option for the Packers.
The team could add NLTBE incentives tied to high-value achievements, such as Pro Bowl selections or team milestones like reaching the NFC Championship Game or Super Bowl. These incentives would cost nothing against the 2025 cap, and the Packers would gladly pay Jenkins in 2026 if he delivers such results.
2. New Guarantees for 2025
While the Packers are cautious about long-term commitments, guaranteeing Jenkins’ $12.8 million salary for 2025 is a feasible compromise. This move provides Jenkins with immediate financial security without locking the team into a multi-year commitment. Adding partial guarantees for 2026 is trickier, given Green Bay’s conservative approach, but even a small gesture here could show good faith and keep Jenkins engaged.
3. Roster Bonus for 2026
A roster bonus for 2026 could be a win-win. Jenkins is set to earn $20 million in 2026, with $18.5 million as base salary. The Packers could convert, for example, $3 million of that base salary into a roster bonus, payable if Jenkins remains on the roster by the fifth day of the 2026 league year in March. This structure doesn’t force the Packers to keep Jenkins if their plans change, but it ensures Jenkins has clarity early in the offseason. If released in March, Jenkins would hit free agency at an optimal time, avoiding the challenges faced by players like Jaire Alexander, who was cut later in the offseason.
4. Anticipating 2026 Salary
With $35 million in cap space for 2025, the Packers have the flexibility to front-load some of Jenkins’ future earnings. For instance, they could increase his 2025 compensation from $12.8 million to $14.8 million by pulling $2 million from his 2026 salary, which would drop to $18 million. This move signals trust in Jenkins’ long-term value while giving the team more cap flexibility in 2026.
Conclusion
The Packers don’t need to break their no-extension policy to keep Elgton Jenkins smiling in 2025. By leveraging NLTBE incentives, selective guarantees, a 2026 roster bonus, or front-loaded salary, they can address Jenkins’ concerns while preserving their roster-building principles. These creative solutions show that, in the NFL, it’s not always about the biggest contract—it’s about finding a balance that keeps both the player and the team moving forward together.