Immediately following the NFL combine, general manager Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson began the process of rebuilding the Chicago Bears offensive line. Their first move was trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson prior to the start of free agency. Next, on the first day of free agency, the Bears signed center Drew Dalman to a three-year deal.
Just like that, Chicago reshaped its offensive line according to Johnson's vision. Yet, these additions spelled the end for many of the Bears' interior linemen from last season. That includes former left guard Tevien Jenkins.
Bears fans had a love/hate relationship with Jenkins due to his injury issues. However, when he was on the field, he was a force. So, it was only a matter of the team before another time took a shot at him.
According to Jordan Schultz, the Cleveland Browns have signed Jenkins. He also had interest from the Seattle Seahawks, who hosted him on a visit but never extended an offer. That said, Cleveland signing Jenkins is a huge risk.
Sources: Former #Bears G Teven Jenkins is signing with the #Browns.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 20, 2025
The former second-round pick started 38 games over four seasons in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/5zShDHShci
Teven Jenkins Signs With the Cleveland Browns
The 27-year-old guard was selected 30th overall by the Bears in the 2020 NFL draft. In four seasons in Chicago, Jenkins made just 38 of 68 potential starts. His inability to stay on the field steemed from back issues, which led to other injuries.
Furthermore, even in the games Jenkins did start, he would leave with injury more often than not. Nevertheless, the Oklahoma State product dominated when on the field. In three of four seasons, Jenkins had high marks in run blocking and pass blocking.
According to PFF, Jenkins had pass-blocking grades of 65.9 in 2022, 68.6 in 2023, and 75.8 in 2024. Moreover, he finished with run-blocking grades of 82.2 in 2022, 71.7 in 2023, and 74.3 in 2024. While his play was above average, it's hard to bet on him staying healthy, which is why the Bears decided not to extend him.
Although things didn't work out in Chicago because of his health concerns, many Bears fans are still rooting for Jenkins to succeed.