As the Chicago Bears continue their rebuild, one of the most important and difficult decisions looming over the franchise is whether to lock up Teven Jenkins to a long-term extension or let him hit the free-agent market. The 26-year-old guard has been a standout when healthy, but his injury history and the current state of the Bears’ offensive line complicate matters. As the team prepares for its second season with quarterback Caleb Williams, Jenkins’ impending free agency has become a pivotal storyline.
Teven Jenkins’ Impact on the Bears
Jenkins, a second-round pick in 2021, has been one of the few bright spots on an offensive line that has struggled to protect the quarterback at times. Originally drafted as a tackle, Jenkins has transitioned seamlessly to guard, where he has established himself as one of the league’s top run blockers. However, while his ability to move bodies in the running game is unquestioned, his pass protection has been more of a mixed bag. Injuries have limited his time on the field in the past, and that lack of availability could be a major concern when it comes to locking him into a significant contract.
Despite those concerns, when Jenkins has been healthy, he’s been a force. This season, he has started all eight games for the Bears, a promising sign for his durability moving forward. However, with Jenkins’ current knee injury in play, there’s still a level of uncertainty surrounding his long-term health and availability.
The Bears’ Dilemma: Pay or Let Him Walk?
The challenge for the Bears will be deciding whether Jenkins is worth a long-term investment. While the Bears certainly have the salary cap space to extend him, the question is whether they want to allocate significant resources to an offensive line that is still in the midst of a rebuild. With Caleb Williams expected to be the quarterback of the future, the Bears may want to use their cap space to shore up other areas of the team, particularly the receiving corps and pass rush.
On the other hand, the offensive line has been a sore spot for Chicago for years, and finding a reliable, young, and proven talent like Jenkins is a rarity. The Bears could view keeping Jenkins as an investment in Williams’ development, ensuring he has a solid foundation upfront.
But if the Bears decide not to extend Jenkins, there’s little doubt that other teams will be knocking on his door, especially those with rookie quarterbacks who need to protect their investment.
New England Patriots a Potential Landing Spot
If Jenkins hits the open market, one team that could be a serious contender to sign him is the New England Patriots. According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Jenkins is a prime target for a rebuilding team like the Patriots, who are looking to improve their offensive line after a difficult 2023 season. The Patriots, who are also dealing with a young quarterback in Mac Jones, could benefit immensely from adding a high-level interior lineman like Jenkins, especially considering the struggles they’ve had on the offensive line.
Jenkins’ familiarity with the challenges of protecting a young QB makes him an ideal fit for a team like New England, which is still trying to find stability at the quarterback position. The Patriots also have more salary cap space than the Bears, which could give them the upper hand in a bidding war. Given the growing demand for talented interior linemen, Jenkins is unlikely to stay on the market for long, and the Patriots could move quickly to secure his services.
The Money Factor: A Potential Bidding War
Jenkins’ current deal has paid him just $8 million over the first four years of his NFL career, a relatively modest salary for a player of his ability. But now, entering his prime, Jenkins is looking at a much more lucrative contract. Reports suggest he could be in line for a deal worth $10 million or more per season, and given the Patriots’ cap space, they might be willing to make that investment.
The Bears may be able to match that offer, but they will need to balance Jenkins’ value against their other roster needs. Chicago’s cap situation isn’t bad, but with multiple positions in need of upgrading, the front office might prioritize elsewhere, especially if they feel confident in their ability to find affordable replacements.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for Jenkins and the Bears
As the Bears look to make strides toward becoming a playoff contender, Teven Jenkins’ future with the team is a question that could have significant implications for both the offensive line and the development of their young quarterback. While Jenkins is undoubtedly a talent, the Bears will have to weigh his potential against the cost of locking him up long-term.
Should Jenkins hit the open market, expect the New England Patriots—or potentially other teams with young quarterbacks—to make a serious run at him. For the Bears, letting a player of Jenkins’ caliber walk could set the rebuild back even further, but paying him a premium price could lead to difficult decisions down the line. Either way, Jenkins is a player to watch closely as the Bears look to balance the short-term and long-term needs of their franchise.
