The Green Bay Packers are poised to make seismic, franchise-altering moves this offseason, with the potential release of a cornerstone offensive lineman and a blockbuster trade for an elite running back now gaining serious momentum. League sources indicate a dramatic reshaping of the roster is underway as the front office positions itself for a championship run with quarterback Jordan Love.
At the center of the storm is veteran offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins. The two-time Pro Bowler, renowned for his versatility across all five positions, is widely expected to be released. The financial rationale is clear: Jenkins, 30, is due a non-guaranteed $20 million in 2026. Releasing him would save the Packers the full $20 million against the salary cap while incurring only a $4.8 million dead money charge.
This decision, while brutal from a football loyalty perspective, is a cold calculus of the modern NFL. Jenkins, a beloved locker room leader, is coming off a broken leg that ended his 2025 season. His departure would mark the end of an era for an offensive line that relied on his stability and adaptability for years. The emotional weight of the move is significant, but the cap flexibility it creates is monumental.
That newfound financial freedom appears to have a direct and explosive purpose. The Packers are actively revisiting trade talks to acquire Miami Dolphins star running back De’Von Achane, according to multiple reports. Green Bay previously inquired about Achane at last year’s trade deadline, and the window may now be open again as Miami’s new regime, led by former Packers executive John Eric Sullivan, reshapes its roster.
The rumored asking price is a second-round draft pick. The Packers hold the 52nd overall selection, a serious capital investment made more significant by the fact the team already traded its first-rounder in the deal for edge rusher Micah Parsons. Acquiring Achane would represent a full-throated commitment to winning immediately.
Achane’s production is nothing short of electrifying. Last season, he amassed 1,838 total yards from scrimmage, averaging a staggering 5.7 yards per carry on 238 attempts and adding 67 receptions. His game-breaking speed and home-run ability would instantly transform a Packers rushing attack that ranked a middling 15th in the league last year.
The potential domino effect extends to the current backfield. Moving on from incumbent starter Josh Jacobs, whose efficiency dipped last season, could save between $8.2 and $11.4 million in additional cap space. The Packers are currently slightly over the cap, making every dollar of savings critical for executing such an ambitious plan.
The Jenkins scenario also contains a compelling narrative twist. Should he hit free agency, a reunion with former quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh is considered a strong possibility. The Steelers have a vacancy at left guard and a clear need for veteran stability, making Jenkins a natural fit and adding a layer of intrigue to his departure from Green Bay.
For the Packers, these moves are not mere adjustments; they are identity-shifting gambles. Replacing a battle-tested, versatile leader on the offensive line is a risk to the unit tasked with protecting the franchise’s $200 million investment in Jordan Love. The interior line cannot afford to regress if Green Bay hopes to contend in a loaded NFC.
Conversely, pairing a prime Jordan Love with a weapon of Achane’s caliber in Head Coach Matt LaFleur’s system presents a nightmare scenario for opposing defenses. Achane’s speed forces defensive adjustments, creates mismatches in space, and could elevate the entire offensive ecosystem.
The front office, led by General Manager Brian Gutekunst, is signaling a aggressive pivot. The message is clear: the window is now. By potentially sacrificing stability in the trenches for unprecedented explosion in the backfield, the Packers are betting on high-octane offense to carry them to the summit.
The coming days will be decisive. If Jenkins is officially released, it will serve as the clearest indicator that Green Bay is clearing the decks for a major acquisition. All eyes will then turn to the Dolphins, waiting to see if the Packers are willing to pull the trigger and send pick No. 52 to Miami for one of the most dynamic young players in football.
The stakes could not be higher. These decisions will define the Packers’ trajectory for the next half-decade and test the front office’s vision for constructing a champion around its superstar quarterback. The chess match is underway, and the entire league is watching.
