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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Elgton Jenkins #74 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after beating the Houston Texans 24-22 at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Throughout the offseason, Chargers fans had better get used to hearing rumors about potential candidates to be added to the offensive line. After all, after finishing as one of the worst lines statistically last season, they are looking for any kind of boost up front. One avenue that the Chargers could end up exploring to fix the issue is by trading for someone. According to several reports, that someone could be Elgton Jenkins of the Packers.
Jenkins is certainly one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the open market, having played at almost every position along the line. By acquiring him, the Chargers wouldn’t necessarily be pressed to start him as they already have enough depth to where Jenkins could be a solid rotational option. Still, a player of his caliber could be an exciting prospect for the Chargers.
“Making a strong offer for Elgton Jenkins in Green Bay could be a fix. Jenkins is an excellent guard, but he had a contract dispute with the Packers last spring and was moved to center. He could kick back out to guard for the Chargers and immediately become a viable option at tackle if Slater or Alt aren’t healthy”, Bleacher Report wrote of the potential deal.
Why Elgton Jenkins Makes Sense for the Chargers
This deal could actually come about a lost easier than any other potential one for the Chargers as Jenkins and the Packers had a contract dispute after his move from left guard to center this season. While Jenkins wanted the move to come with more financial benefits, the Packers were reluctant to give it to him. While he seemingly moved on from the issue, it’s something that the Chargers could take advantage of.
Needless to say however, it has been the play of Jenkins no matter where he lines up that is the main reason the Chargers should be looking into acquiring him. Throughout his career, he has played 524 snaps at left tackle, 4,551 at left guard, 906 at center, two at right guard, and 374 at right tackle. These are all positions that the Charger either need an upgrade on need the requisite depth for.
Most impressively, in 2024, Jenkins was one of ten offensive lineman to play over 1,000 snaps and only allow one or no sacks on the year.
Every OL that played 1,000+ snaps and allowed 1 or 0 sacks in 2024:
🏰 Trey Smith (0)🏰 Creed Humphrey (0)🏰 Tyler Linderbaum (0)🏰 Joe Thuney (0)🏰 Elgton Jenkins (1)🏰 Chris Lindstrom (1)🏰 Sam Cosmi (1)🏰 Penei Sewell (1)🏰 Quinn Meinerz (1)🏰 Daniel Faalele (1)🏰… https://t.co/DS1LfgwAbN pic.twitter.com/P4ptySdfqk
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) May 20, 2025
Cost, Cap Space, and Long-Term Value
To top it all off, Jenkins has never graded out below a 67.8 pass blocking grade from PFF in his career. If he were on the Chargers, that would rank him third amongst their linemen, only behind Joe Alt and injury replacement Jamaree Salyer.
The cost would be the main concern for the Chargers, but with loads of cap space and with the offensive line a key priority, the Bolts wouldn’t mind making a swing for Jenkins’ services. Plus, they would not have to give up draft capital, with only a fourth round pick potentially in play.
For the Chargers, this could be a decision that could solve any problems they face next season due to Jenkins’ elite versatility.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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