The Green Bay Packers invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason, drafting Anthony Belton in the second round and signing Aaron Banks to a massive deal. Coupled with the desire to get 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan into the lineup, the Packers have a strong foundation for the future of their line.
That’s bad news for Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan, who are in the final year of their rookie contracts. However, Elgton Jenkins‘ absence this offseason creates some strife — and some opportunity for the others.
Jenkins is expected to move to center, but going to a less lucrative position toward the end of his contract means he is seeking some financial clarity. Whether that’s a pay increase or a new contract, Jenkins wants to ensure his move to center sets him up for the future.
Rhyan will have a unique opportunity if that absence continues late into this summer. He showed flashes at center last offseason and could position himself as the primary backup center, or even the future of the position, if he takes snaps there this offseason.
Rhyan made his claim on the lineup at right guard after splitting snaps there with Jon Runyan Jr. in 2023 and Morgan in 2024. Still, it’s a loose grip, especially in the final year of his initial contract.
His 62 PFF grade was the second-lowest of Green Bay’s starting five, with only Josh Myers (who departed in free agency) ranked lower (55.7).
That’s a good score, but not great, and Green Bay’s opponents decimated its offensive line at the end of its season.
The Packers want to improve and introduce better run blocking. Morgan and Banks were tackles in college, but could move inside as NFL players. Rhyan must fight off both young players to maintain his starting role.
With competition fierce this summer, it’s in Rhyan’s best interest to show what he can do at center, especially if Jenkins skips practice time.
Rhyan looked solid at center in his limited snaps there in preseason, and he’s one of the few realistic options there. Zach Tom might have All-Pro potential at center, but he’s been so good at tackle that the Packers won’t want to move him without good reason. Couple that with the fact that Tom is seeking a long-term deal and that tackle is a more lucrative position, and it seems unlikely he’d want to move.
People assumed Jacob Monk would be the backup center, but he was inactive for most of the second half of the 2024 season. A bad rookie season isn’t a death sentence. Still, it doesn’t bode well for Monk to get the primary look there without some improvement.
Morgan and Banks don’t project as centers.
If Jenkins plays center and gets hurt, moving Rhyan would be the best option, allowing Banks or Morgan to fill in at right guard. If Rhyan loses the spot to either young player, he’d still be the primary interior backup.
That’s why it could pay off to get some snaps there as early as possible.
We don’t know if Jenkins plans on holding out once offseason activities become mandatory. If he does, Rhyan should jump at his chance to get center snaps with the ones.
If Jenkins and the Packers can’t agree on a contract and the team leans toward moving on after 2025, Rhyan could position himself as the successor, earning an extension in the process. All of Green Bay’s recent investments in the offensive line haven’t solved the center problem, unless Monk takes a big step forward.
A deal with Rhyan would likely be cheaper than anything the team could do with Jenkins, and a third contract is already a rarity in Green Bay.
Even if Rhyan is in a close starting battle at right guard, the Packers would likely let Rhyan walk next year and stick with the cheaper player. It’s a long shot for Rhyan to get a second contract at right guard, but it’s a real possibility at center.
Of course, that would mean auditioning at a mostly new position and showing enough for the Packers to keep him around even if he doesn’t play the spot in 2025. That’s still tough.
But early practice snaps could make a world of difference for the former third-rounder. And if there’s an injury, Rhyan gets a full audition. For a player who just missed out on millions because of two snaps, it’s a good way to try to earn some of that money back.
Rhyan could also be a summer trade candidate if Banks or Morgan play at a starting level. Adding center versatility to his resumé could increase his potential return or future paychecks with another team.
The offensive line battle will be fierce in training camp with two promising young players, a new free-agent guard, and a Pro Bowler changing positions. For Sean Rhyan, taking advantage of the potential strife between Jenkins and the Packers could be the best move for his future.