Packers' regrettable release could become the Jets' next superstar

With both Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson finding new homes early in free agency, the New York Jets are left holding the bag.

Despite having two starting-caliber impending free agent offensive linemen, the Jets were not able to retain either, and now have the challenge of filling their vacant left guard spot either in the descending tiers of free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.

Luckily for them, the Green Bay Packers recently released an incredibly competent interior offensive lineman on Monday as a cap casualty, and he could be the perfect replacement for the Jets' lost guards.

Elgton Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowler, could be precisely what the Jets are looking for.

Could Jets pivot to former Packers guard Elgton Jenkins?

The Packers cut ties with their 2019 second-round pick on Monday, clearing $19.5 million in cap space. He was entering the final year of a four-year, $68 million deal with no guaranteed money remaining on the contract.

It was exactly what Jenkins was concerned about entering the 2025 offseason program, and he skipped most of the summer activities, hoping Green Bay would readjust his contract. Instead, they let him play out his deal.

The Packers moved the Pro Bowl guard to center last season, and it wasn't his strongest position. Before fracturing his ankle midway through the season, Jenkins graded out as the 25th-best center in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus, and his best play likely remains at guard.

Enter the Jets, who have a dire need for a veteran interior offensive lineman. If Jenkins' recovery is going well, he could be exactly what New York is looking for. Spotrac projects the Mississippi State product to land a four-year $60.7 million deal on the open market, paying him $15.2 million a year.

Despite the sizable prediction, it's possible Jenkins won't command that much. After all, he's coming off a fractured ankle, and lower leg injuries can be tough on offensive linemen.

He may be forced to take a one-year, prove-it deal to show teams he's still healthy before cashing in on a long-term deal in 2027. If that's the case, the Jets should absolutely be all over him.

They can sign Jenkins and draft a developmental project in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, hoping his veteran experience rubs off on a hypothetical young guard.

If the price is right, the Jets should do whatever they can to land the former Packers guard and hope he can stabilize the position for at least one season.