Post Draft/UDFA/Off-Season Signings - Each Position Trade Block

[tynimiller]

...........here's a twist for everyone....really curious to @Dantés your thoughts.

So, who is the one guy that all of us included are ignoring might be the perfect trade piece?

Who has proven to be an NFL starter for likely any team in the league...
Still has some great football ahead of him....
Other teams would want......
And the Packers have reserves in place to let him walk....


Elgton Jenkins folks.

IF Green Bay and Jenkins relationship sours truly to a degree where we have another weird and complex Jaire situation I think the trade that everyone didn't see coming makes a TON of sense. Would it be betting on a few things - for sure...but that's the life in the NFL.

Sean Rhyan yes is in his final year of a deal, but he is HERE and he has center experience and was the next center up when Myers and Jenkins were out. I know for a fact the staff liked how he did at center work. You have Monk in the background or low cost type free agents with starting experience in a Sam Mustipher or a Daniel Brunskill for a one year deal also either to start or back up Rhyan.

Arguably if there is a team out there that suffers a guard go down, or has a need now, Jenkins would look EXTREMELY attractive....and we don't need another unhappy body in the building.

Now I'm still of the mindset there is a logical world where the two sides come together, ensure Jenkins somewhat that he is not on a deadend contract to be cut next year, while not mortgaging too much of the future - risking the ability to sign Tom long term. Given where Jenkins is in his career vs Tom, the team would be wise to choose Tom everyday that ends in y and roll that dice rather than the older one.

 

[mradtke66]

Elgton Jenkins folks.

....and we don't need another unhappy body in the building.

I think the decision is more complicated that it looks.

Presumably, the team likes Jenkins. He's a good player and letting him leave makes the team worse.

From Jenkins point of view, this is his last year. Technically he's under contract for 2026, but he has 0 guaranties left and his base salary balloons. There is approximately zero chance he plays under that deal. And he's changing positions, so if he starts slowly or has a bad game or two, it probably hurt his free agency after he's cut. Similarly, he isn't the most attractive trade piece because who ever trades for him is doing so as either a 1 year rental OR has to trade for him and then give him a new deal.

I don't know what the magic number is, but I suspect he'd be happy a 2-3 year extension that ties him to the team for those 2-3 years. The risk for the Packers is that Jenkins is starting to age out, so he might not be good for 3 more years.

 

[Pkrjones]

Jenkins base salaries are $11.7mil in '25, & $18.5mil in '26. Don't see anyway that he's worth $30.2mil even over the next 3 yrs, so GB extending him looks not feasible. Adding a '27 for $2mil base salary, & converting some of his '26 base salary to a bonus might be possible? It gives him some more $ now, but also ties him to GB thru '27 (for $32mil) even if his play declines or major injury.

 

[gopkrs]

Thing is. I don't know if he is going to be a really good center.

 

[gopkrs]

I'm reading that some people think the guard we paid (Banks) is not as good as Jenkins. I sure hope that is not the case. I think he is supposed to be a really good run blocker and an adequate pass protector. That would work for me. We paid him a lot. I hope he's good. He sure is big.

 

[mradtke66]

Jenkins base salaries are $11.7mil in '25, & $18.5mil in '26. Don't see anyway that he's worth $30.2mil even over the next 3 yrs, so GB extending him looks not feasible. Adding a '27 for $2mil base salary, & converting some of his '26 base salary to a bonus might be possible? It gives him some more $ now, but also ties him to GB thru '27 (for $32mil) even if his play declines or major injury.

We (likely) don't have to give him a raise. An extension that changes his 2026 cap number and ties him to the org for more years is probably all he's after. Banks is 2 years younger, but his 2026 (and 2027) cap number is roughly the same as Jenkins 2026.

Jenkins wants guaranteed money so he doesn't get cut as soon as the 2025 season ends.

 

[mradtke66]

I'm reading that some people think the guard we paid (Banks) is not as good as Jenkins. I sure hope that is not the case. I think he is supposed to be a really good run blocker and an adequate pass protector. That would work for me. We paid him a lot. I hope he's good. He sure is big.

This sentiment is partially why I wondered if they might slide Banks to RG, keep Jenkins at LG, and find the best center on our roster among whoever is left. You can generally hide a weaker pass protector easier at RG vs. LG, though not always.

They have since stated that it's Jenkins to center, so that idea is dead.

 

[gopkrs]

Actually, I feel like they are doing things the right way so far. Although those 2 early picks have to be good

 

[Dantés]

...........here's a twist for everyone....really curious to @Dantés your thoughts.

So, who is the one guy that all of us included are ignoring might be the perfect trade piece?

Who has proven to be an NFL starter for likely any team in the league...
Still has some great football ahead of him....
Other teams would want......
And the Packers have reserves in place to let him walk....


Elgton Jenkins folks.

IF Green Bay and Jenkins relationship sours truly to a degree where we have another weird and complex Jaire situation I think the trade that everyone didn't see coming makes a TON of sense. Would it be betting on a few things - for sure...but that's the life in the NFL.

Sean Rhyan yes is in his final year of a deal, but he is HERE and he has center experience and was the next center up when Myers and Jenkins were out. I know for a fact the staff liked how he did at center work. You have Monk in the background or low cost type free agents with starting experience in a Sam Mustipher or a Daniel Brunskill for a one year deal also either to start or back up Rhyan.

Arguably if there is a team out there that suffers a guard go down, or has a need now, Jenkins would look EXTREMELY attractive....and we don't need another unhappy body in the building.

Now I'm still of the mindset there is a logical world where the two sides come together, ensure Jenkins somewhat that he is not on a deadend contract to be cut next year, while not mortgaging too much of the future - risking the ability to sign Tom long term. Given where Jenkins is in his career vs Tom, the team would be wise to choose Tom everyday that ends in y and roll that dice rather than the older one.

I would really like to trade some guys this off-season (e.g. Doubs or another WR, Enagbare), but no one on the offensive line. The unit is too important and depth can dry up too quickly for it to be worth it, in my opinion.

Last season, the demise of the Packers could largely be attributed to poor OL depth who couldn't perform when called upon. I think the FO has made it clear that they see it the same way, given that one of their top two moves in FA was an offensive lineman and one of their top two moves in the draft was an offensive lineman.

I also doubt that Jenkins wants a raise so much as a restructure that won't make him to dispensable, cap-wise, in 2026. He's probably thinking 'I am taking a risk by changing positions, so provide me with some more security in the longer term.'

 

[mradtke66]

I also doubt that Jenkins wants a raise so much as a restructure that won't make him to dispensable, cap-wise, in 2026. He's probably thinking 'I am taking a risk by changing positions, so provide me with some more security in the longer term.'

This is entirely my read as well. Though he'll likely get more money as typically how this is done is more years and more guarantees.

 

[OldSchool101]

I really like Elgton just jump him a couple million and extend him 1yr.
He’s a really solid OL. We have the space to do it and he’s very versatile. There’s always a guy that goes down and just make sure he knows he’s our go to guy to move around he needs to be ready.

IMO We’re taking a top 15-20 OG across 64 OG. Probably a Top 10-15 Center or chance to be better. I’m 90% he’s better than Myers.

Give the man a PBR. Push the chips in a few extra million and show our commitment to him having a Probowl type season. Get him fired up.

If I’m trading anyone it’s Sean Rhyan. Just rewatched that 1st Eagles game. He might be part of the reason we lost. He had 2 Whiffs on the first possession. Drive killers and just about Josh Jacobs killers.

 

[tynimiller]

I would really like to trade some guys this off-season (e.g. Doubs or another WR, Enagbare), but no one on the offensive line. The unit is too important and depth can dry up too quickly for it to be worth it, in my opinion.

Last season, the demise of the Packers could largely be attributed to poor OL depth who couldn't perform when called upon. I think the FO has made it clear that they see it the same way, given that one of their top two moves in FA was an offensive lineman and one of their top two moves in the draft was an offensive lineman.

I also doubt that Jenkins wants a raise so much as a restructure that won't make him to dispensable, cap-wise, in 2026. He's probably thinking 'I am taking a risk by changing positions, so provide me with some more security in the longer term.'

I also believe this is a very strong possibility.

 

[DoURant]

49ers signed Purdy to a 5 yr $265M extension, averaging out to $53M/ yr. $181M of that contract is guaranteed.

 

[Schultz]

My thoughts. Do not trade any OL this season unless the train has come completely off the tracks. Give Jenkins a small token re-structure with some incentives. Let him know if he adapts to center a more player friendly restructure will come the following offseason. Resign Tom. The decisions on Walker and Rhyan should be based not just on how well they play but more importantly on what they believe they have in Morgan and Belton. Walk and Rhy could turn into decent comp picks. IMO.

 

[tynimiller]

My thoughts. Do not trade any OL this season unless the train has come completely off the tracks. Give Jenkins a small token re-structure with some incentives. Let him know if he adapts to center a more player friendly restructure will come the following offseason. Resign Tom. The decisions on Walker and Rhyan should be based not just on how well they play but more importantly on what they believe they have in Armstrong and Belton. Walk and Rhy could turn into decent comp picks. IMO.

Armstrong?

 

[Pkrjones]

Armstrong?

Maybe a potential new nickname (Stretch Armstrong) for Morgan?

 

[DoURant]

Did anyone know that mini camps are starting up shortly, and 30 of the 32 2nd rd Draft Picks are still unsigned. The 1st 2 picks of the Rd are signed, and both signed fully guaranteed contracts, which is holding up the rest of them. Who is going to flinch first? The first pick to not sign a fully guaranteed contracts will mess it up for everyone drafted after them. This could turn into a huge problem for the league.

 

[OldSchool101]

Did anyone know that mini camps are starting up shortly, and 30 of the 32 2nd rd Draft Picks are still unsigned. The 1st 2 picks of the Rd are signed, and both signed fully guaranteed contracts, which is holding up the rest of them. Who is going to flinch first? The first pick to not sign a fully guaranteed contracts will mess it up for everyone drafted after them. This could turn into a huge problem for the league.

I’d ask them this Question. If the first two 2nd Round draft players signed contracts with 0% guaranteed…. Would you force me to give you 0% money?

So in fact you’d argue those initial contracts that were 0% guaranteed shouldn’t have any direct correlation and the only 100% guarantee I can give is you would be absolutely correct. So they want to punish our Franchise and hold us hostage for someone else’s poor decision? Plan on not playing in 2025. We are fully prepared to go it without you.

 

[Pkrjones]

The 2nd round picks in '25 are slotted for 4yr deals from $9.6mil to $6mil.

In '22 the top 24 picks in Rnd 1 were fully guaranteed, all 1st rounders in '23 & '24 were fully guaranteed (per OTC).

Seems kind of dumb to me that teams have "lost control" & changed precedent over the last 2 years. Belton was the 22nd pick of Rnd 2... GB should offer him a 90% guranteed deal and let picks 3-21 (of Rnd 2) haggle & fight over 90%-100% guarantee. I think some of lower picks would sign & show up for TC, leaving other teams/players scrambling to make a "realistic" deal & get to TC. The amounts are already determined, just working out details.

 

[DoURant]

The 2nd round picks in '25 are slotted for 4yr deals from $9.6mil to $6mil.

In '22 the top 24 picks in Rnd 1 were fully guaranteed, all 1st rounders in '23 & '24 were fully guaranteed (per OTC).

Seems kind of dumb to me that teams have "lost control" & changed precedent over the last 2 years. Belton was the 22nd pick of Rnd 2... GB should offer him a 90% guranteed deal and let picks 3-21 (of Rnd 2) haggle & fight over 90%-100% guarantee. I think some of lower picks would sign & show up for TC, leaving other teams/players scrambling to make a "realistic" deal & get to TC. The amounts are already determined, just working out details.

Well that slotted number is completely blown out of the water, as Houston gave Jayden Higgins, the 34th pick, $11.7mil fully guaranteed, and Tre Harris, the Chargers pick has stated he is going to hold out, due to guarantees in his contract.

To reallly throw a wrench in the matter, RB Quinshon Judkins, pick #36, was just arrested on domestic abuse charges.

 

[tynimiller]

Honestly, I don't see an issue offering a rookie his deal fully guaranteed as it is VERY VERY rare that a guy in the first couple rounds doesn't see the completion of their rookie deal with the team that drafted them, even if they don't turn into a starter due to the low cost of the contract.

 

[Pkrjones]

Well that slotted number is completely blown out of the water, as Houston gave Jayden Higgins, the 34th pick, $11.7mil fully guaranteed, and Tre Harris, the Chargers pick has stated he is going to hold out, due to guarantees in his contract...

The 2025 2nd Rnd contracts appear to be ranging from $11.8mil (pick 33) to around $6.8mil (pick 64). I must've pulled out estimates in my post above.

Agree that 2nd round contracts should be guaranteed, as most make it on the roster for that duration just on potential.

 

[El Guapo]

This reminds me of how the PA got upset years ago because rookies that had never played a snap in the NFL were making more than veterans. They introduced the pay slots into the next CBA. This could be another situation where veterans take control via the CBA, but I doubt it. They all want guaranteed contracts.

I'm going to go tell my clients that I am "holding out" until they give me guaranteed commitments on a 4yr deal.

 

[OldSchool101]

This reminds me of how the PA got upset years ago because rookies that had never played a snap in the NFL were making more than veterans. They introduced the pay slots into the next CBA. This could be another situation where veterans take control via the CBA, but I doubt it. They all want guaranteed contracts.

I'm going to go tell my clients that I am "holding out" until they give me guaranteed commitments on a 4yr deal.

Teams should band together and make a statement that any true Rookie past #34 overall gets a last offer open for 1 week expiration from the 1st day of Camp. They get the higher of their 2023/2024 average contract guaranteed slated at their draft order + 5% or a 15% increase off that guaranteed if signed before training camp.
This paying someone fully guaranteed $7mil+ is ridiculous. They’ve never even shown up to work

 

[tynimiller]

Teams should band together and make a statement that any true Rookie past #34 overall gets a last offer open for 1 week expiration from the 1st day of Camp. They get the 2023-2024 average contract guaranteed slated at their draft order + up to a 10% increase off that guaranteed if signed before training camp. The Teams reserve the option to not sign a player who poses and financial or legal risk also. Meaning the Team can decline the entire contract and not play the player. Disputing players past the expiration will lose their ability to pay for any team and will have another opportunity to re apply for the draft after 1 season. Possibly having the similar offer again.. or possibly not.

Easily argued against the second teams beyond the first round started offering higher guarantees. This likely should just be in the next CBA placing a cap of guarantee possibly per round.

One issue is this only impacts drafted players BUT UDFA can get however much guaranteed the team desires to pay them if I understand it all correctly. Very easy to argue just because a guy gets drafted he should get to argue less in his contract discussions is "wrong"