Jenkins is one of the top free agent guards left on the market.
The Seattle Seahawks have been unable to land a projected starting caliber offensive lineman through the first week of free agency, but don’t be too discouraged just yet.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday that the Seahawks are scheduled to meet with former Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins, who’s one of the few notable interior offensive linemen still available after the initial wave of signings.
Jenkins, who just turned 27 years old earlier this month, began his NFL career as a left tackle before the switch to guard. While the Bears offensive line has been in shambles for seemingly as long as the Seahawks’, Jenkins was one of the few positives for the Bears over the past three seasons, as seen in his (take them with a grain of salt) PFF grades. Jenkins has shown the ability to play both left and right guard, although he’s spent the last two seasons as a left guard.
Here’s the risk with Jenkins: he gets hurt a lot.
As a rookie, Jenkins missed 11 games after starting the regular season on injured reserve following back surgery. He’s played in 13, 12, and 14 games in subsequent seasons but with the caveat that he’s left multiple games early due to injury. Jenkins has missed time due to injuries to his back, ankle, calf, neck, and he’s also had a concussion. Even in his final season at Oklahoma State his college career ended early with a separate back issue.
There is functionally no chance of a return to Chicago for Jenkins given the Bears acquired Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs and Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams in trades. His health is likely the main reason he’s remained unsigned over the first few days of free agency.
Jenkins’ talent is tantalizing; it’s his ability to be available that’s the question mark. He’d certainly be worth adding on the hope that his best years are to come given his age.