The Chicago Bears went into the offseason needing to overhaul their offensive line. A big reason why was because starting guard Teven Jenkins didn’t pan out.
Jenkins was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft and the Oklahoma State product was notorious for not being able to stay healthy. He needed back surgery upon the completion of his first training camp and missed 23 games over the course of four seasons. This looks even worse when you consider that Jenkins couldn’t finish a game five times last season.
The missed time moved the Bears to trade for Joe Thuney and Jonah Williams this offseason and Jenkins responded by signing with the Cleveland Browns. While his departure wasn’t a surprise, his contract was a jaw-dropping reminder that availability is the best ability in the NFL.
Browns Landed Teven Jenkins on a Bargain Basement Free Agency Deal
According to Spotrac, Jenkins signed a one-year, $3.05 million contract with the Browns. If that number seems low, it’s because Pro Football Focus estimated Jenkins to receive $13.5 million per season on the open market and it comes with other low figures.
Jenkins will get a $1.5 million signing bonus and a $1.17 million base salary next season. He can also make up to $1.5 million in playing time incentives and the Browns added four void years at the end of the deal. The total gives Jenkins a $1.79 million cap hit for next season and gives Cleveland a low-risk, high-reward contract.
If Jenkins gets hurt, the Browns are out a low sum for this season and $300,000 for each of the next four seasons. But if the 27-year-old can stay on the field, the Browns will be getting a player who had the third-highest grade among qualifying guards in 2023 and ranked 12th among qualifiers last season.
Bears fans know that is a gigantic “if.” But it’s crazy that no other team stepped up with a bigger offer to see Jenkins prove it.