The Cleveland Browns have made a significant move in their quest to bolster their offensive line by signing former Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins. This acquisition was announced on March 20, 2025, by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, sparking excitement among fans and analysts who see Jenkins as a potential breakthrough player for the team.
Teven Jenkins, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 321 pounds, was a highly touted second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, drafted 39th overall by the Bears out of Oklahoma State. Over the course of his four-year tenure with Chicago, Jenkins demonstrated his versatility on the offensive line, playing both guard and tackle positions. In total, he appeared in 45 games and started 38 of them. His ability to adapt to various roles was evident, as he transitioned from right guard in 2022 to left guard in 2023, where he played 26 games and made 25 starts.
Known for his strong performance, Jenkins posted a 75.4 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2024, which ranked him 18th out of 135 guards in the league. In addition, he had impressive pass-blocking and run-blocking stats, earning completions of 75.8 in pass blocking and 74.3 in run blocking. Despite these accolades, Jenkins also faced challenges, allowing four sacks and incurring four penalties during the season. His offensive line experience comes on the backdrop of a Bears team that struggled in protecting their quarterback, allowing a league-leading 68 sacks in 2024, emphasizing the critical need for a stronger line across the league.
Concerns surrounding Jenkins have mainly revolved around his injury history, as he has missed 38 games during his career due to varying injuries. This includes a three-game absence during the 2024 season due to an ankle sprain and a calf injury. These health issues likely played a role in the Bears' decision to part ways with him during their offensive line overhaul.
The Browns, who themselves allowed 66 sacks that season, are evidently hopeful that Jenkins’ arrival will bring significant improvement in securing their quarterback. In addition to Jenkins, the Browns also signed offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas to a two-year contract worth $10 million. This concerted effort in free agency indicates Cleveland's commitment to strengthening their offensive front as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Interestingly, Jenkins attracted interest from several teams during the free agency period, including the Seattle Seahawks and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Seahawks, who had a critical need for improved interior line play, also brought in other free agents but ultimately did not secure Jenkins. Reports suggested that Jenkins was regarded as the best guard remaining on the free agent market.
As Jenkins embarks on his journey with the Browns, the organization hopes his robust performance potential will translate into success on the field. Jenkins is now set to enter his fifth season in the NFL. His ability to contribute to the team will be under scrutiny as fans eagerly await how his role transpires within Cleveland's revamped offense.
This signing not only highlights Jenkins’ potential as a solid contributor to the Browns' offensive line but also reflects a broader trend in the NFL: teams are increasingly seeking to fortify their offensive lines to ensure better protection for their quarterbacks, which in turn can enhance their overall gameplay.
The stakes are high for Jenkins, who has the opportunity to reinvigorate his career in a new environment after what seemed to be a tumultuous run with the Bears. His adaptability and tenacity could prove essential for the Browns, who aim to not only negate their previous shortcomings in protecting the quarterback but also to establish a more formidable presence on the offensive front.
Fans and analysts alike will closely watch Jenkins as the new phase of his career unfolds with the Browns. Will he rise to the occasion and solidify his place as a staple in their offensive lineup? Only time will tell as the 2025 season approaches.
