Packers’ Offensive Line Overhaul: Elgton Jenkins Moves to Center and Other Key Changes

The Green Bay Packers are making significant adjustments to their offensive line heading into the 2025 season, and one of the most notable changes is the decision to move Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has made it clear that the team believes Jenkins has the potential to excel in this new role, and they are optimistic about the impact it will have on their offensive line as a whole. Here’s a deeper dive into this shift, as well as the Packers’ broader offensive line changes, and what it could mean for their success in the upcoming season.

Elgton Jenkins: From Guard to Center

Elgton Jenkins has been a stalwart on the Packers’ offensive line for several years now, earning Pro Bowl honors twice as a left guard. However, after much consideration, the team has decided to move him to center for the 2025 season. Gutekunst revealed that the team had discussed this change with Jenkins ahead of time, and the versatile lineman is on board with the move, especially given his past experience at the center position during his college days.

“Obviously, he played center in college,” Gutekunst said. “We feel like he’s got a chance to be an All-Pro center. We’ve talked a lot about how versatility plays through our offensive line, and having guys who can move to different spots, and Elgton is one of those guys who can play all five spots. So we feel he’s a luxury, but I think I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Jenkins has the skill set and football IQ to succeed at center, and his ability to play multiple positions on the line is a major asset for the Packers. This flexibility will allow the team to continue adapting their offensive line depending on the game’s needs and personnel changes. If Jenkins can thrive in this new role, the Packers’ offensive line will remain one of the best in the NFL.

Aaron Banks Joins the Packers: Left Guard Position Locked Down

With Jenkins shifting to center, the Packers had to find a new left guard to fill the void. Enter Aaron Banks, whom the Packers signed in free agency. Banks, a former standout at Notre Dame, is expected to slide into the left guard spot and provide solid protection for quarterback Jordan Love.

While Banks is still relatively new to the NFL, the Packers have high hopes for his potential. With Jenkins moving to center and Banks now in the starting lineup, the Packers’ offensive line looks like a formidable unit, especially with the added experience and leadership Jenkins brings. If the unit can gel quickly, they will be a significant strength for the team, especially in protecting Love and opening up lanes for the running game.

A Look at the Packers’ Offensive Line: One of the NFL’s Best

With these changes, the Packers are positioning their offensive line to be one of the strongest in the league. Jenkins’ transition to center could be the key to making that happen, as he has already proven himself as one of the most reliable and versatile players on the line. The combination of Jenkins’ experience, the addition of Banks, and the continued development of other key linemen like David Bakhtiari and Yosh Nijman gives the Packers a solid foundation up front.

The Packers’ offensive line will be critical in helping Love thrive in his first full season as the starting quarterback. The team will need the offensive line to provide consistent protection, especially given Love’s inexperience as a starter. If they can provide him with a clean pocket and strong running lanes, the Packers’ offense will be significantly more dangerous and balanced.

Brian Gutekunst’s Thoughts on the “Tush Push” Debate

In addition to the changes on the offensive line, Gutekunst has been involved in another key issue this offseason—the debate over the controversial “tush push” play. This play, famously utilized by the Philadelphia Eagles, involves a quarterback sneak in which teammates push the quarterback from behind to gain extra yardage. The Packers, along with other teams like the Buffalo Bills, have expressed concern that the play could lead to serious injuries and have been in favor of the NFL banning it.

“I wasn’t really a huge part in drafting the proposal or anything like that, but very much in support of it,” Gutekunst said. “I think certainly the medical professionals at the league have a high concern for putting players in positions that could lead to catastrophic injuries. I think this is something that needs to be discussed and we need to be proactive with it rather than be reactive on that.”

The Packers have made it clear that their stance is motivated by player safety, even though the play has proven to be highly effective. If the NFL moves forward with banning the tush push, the Packers could be thanked for leading the charge on a play that has caused quite a bit of controversy, particularly due to its potential for injury.

Conclusion: A Transforming Packers’ Offensive Line and New Challenges Ahead

The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line is undergoing significant changes, and these adjustments could have a major impact on their success in the 2025 season. The move of Elgton Jenkins to center is a bold decision that could pay off, especially with his versatility and experience. Adding Aaron Banks at left guard solidifies the line even further, making it one of the more formidable units in the league.

At the same time, the Packers are grappling with the broader debate over the “tush push” and working to make the game safer for players. While the NFL moves toward making this decision, the Packers’ commitment to their players’ safety highlights their focus on long-term well-being.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes come together. With a revamped offensive line and a new focus on player safety, the Packers are ready to make a serious run in 2025. The key to their success will be how quickly the line adapts, but if Jenkins thrives at center and the team builds chemistry quickly, Green Bay could be poised for a big year.