Former Exec Reveals Why Teven Jenkins Won't Get A New Contract

When talking about motivation for the upcoming season, few have more than Teven Jenkins. The Chicago Bears left guard has flashed so much promise through the first three years of his career. He has looked like a potential Pro Bowler at times. The problem is he hasn't been on the field enough, missing 20 total games with various injuries. As a result, the team hasn't engaged with him in extension talks despite efforts from his representation to do so. The message seems pretty clear. He needs to show them something this season.

Former scouting director Greg Gabriel isn't convinced things end up going Jenkins' there are a few reasons why. For one, it comes down to money. Guards are becoming expensive these days. If the 26-year-old seeks a top deal ($20+ million per year), that is almost impossible. Also, they have alternatives in place. Kiran Amegadjie, though drafted as a tackle this year, is fully capable of playing guard. On top of that, the Bears have three picks in the first two rounds next year and should have no issue finding guard help.

That doesn't give Jenkins much leverage.

My guess is that if Teven and his representatives would do a shorter-term, team-friendly contract, then a deal may be able to get done. If Jenkins is looking to be paid like the top players at the position, I cannot see a contract getting completed.

In last April’s Draft, the Bears selected offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie in the third round. Amegadjie is a strong, physical and athletic lineman capable of playing tackle or guard. Kiran has not been able to do anything since camp opened because he is still recovering from Quadricep surgery. When he does step on the field, it may be as a guard or a swing tackle/guard.

The 2025 Draft is projected to be strong with offensive linemen, and with the Bears having three selections in the first two rounds, I would say it’s a good bet one of those picks will be on the offensive line. The Bears have options if they choose to move on from Jenkins.

Teven Jenkins only has one path forward.

That is to play the best season of his career. He must stay reasonably healthy for the entire season and protect Caleb Williams well. Failing in either of those categories is almost certain to convince the Bears that they may have to look at other options. It isn't what you'd call empathetic, but that is the NFL. Either produce, or the team will find somebody else who can. Ryan Poles won't throw $20 million at somebody he can't trust to protect his quarterback for a full season.

If nothing else, Teven Jenkins can at least say this. The fate of his career is in his hands. If he plays well, he gets his money. It is that simple. There is no question that this will be one of the biggest subplots of the season as it unfolds. He's managed to do well thus far. There haven't been any health setbacks in training camp. He looked overpowering in the win over Buffalo. Keep your fingers crossed.