On Thursday, the Cleveland Browns made a notable addition to their roster by signing free agent guard Teven Jenkins. It’s an exciting move for the team as they look to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season.
Jenkins, now 27, initially entered the NFL as the 39th overall pick in the 2021 draft by the Chicago Bears. His early career was marred by setbacks when he had to undergo back surgery, significantly limiting his participation during his debut season. Originally chosen to fill a tackle position, Jenkins found himself being shuffled around the offensive line by the Bears’ previous management. Throughout the 2022 season, he moved from left tackle to right tackle and ultimately settled at right guard. His versatility paid off, and he eventually found a home at left guard, a position he played in 22 games over the 2023-24 seasons.
For those keeping tabs on the NFL free agency frenzy, it’s crucial to keep a few points in mind. Various analyses and grades are available (such as ESPN+), covering all 32 teams, along with insights into each team’s plans and movements in the market. You can track the latest transactions, hear expert overreactions, explore lingering questions, and discover the best and worst player moves, all complemented by award selections and rankings of remaining prospects.
Jenkins proved to be a key asset for Chicago when he was on the field, conceding only four sacks in 2024. However, his journey has been plagued with injuries, causing him to miss 22 games across his initial four years in the league. Last offseason, Jenkins was in a position to renegotiate his contract. Despite indicating a willingness to extend his stay with the Bears and being told that discussions would take place during their bye in Week 7, no such discussions emerged. As a result, Jenkins braced himself for the open market and free agency.
In his NFL tenure so far, Jenkins has played in 45 games, starting 38 of them. On a related note, the Browns also secured the services of cornerback Tony Brown II on Thursday. Brown made his mark last season by appearing in six games, contributing with five tackles on special teams.
This article features insights from ESPN’s Courtney Cronin and the Associated Press.
