Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins seemed to be trending toward being cut during the first season of Ryan Poles taking over the team's general manager in 2022 but has rebounded to become the team's best starter, at least, until Darnell Wright completes his development at the right tackle position.
The issue for Jenkins has been availability. Jenkins has yet to play a full-season since being drafted by the Bears as injured have limited him to only 31 games played during his first three seasons in the NFL. Jenkins was limited to 12 games last season and entering the final season of his contract, the former first-round pick does not sound hopeful that an extension will happen.
""We reached out but nothing is on the table," Jenkins said Wednesday after the second day of mandatory minicamp when asked if he is in negotiations with the Bears on an extension.Teven Jenkins, NBC Sports Chicago
"Up in the air" Jenkins said when asked if he and the Bears' front office have a mutual interest in an extension."
For the Bears, it would make sense that there may be some hesitancy to signing Jenkins to a long-term contract extension. Jenkins has proven to be a capable starting guard at the NFL level but his availability concerns could be why the team may be comfortable with letting him walk at the end of the season.
Teven Jenkins does not have a certain future with the Chicago Bears.
With Nate Davis and Ryan Bates under contract with the Bears beyond this season, the team could move forward with the veterans at each guard position rather than pay Jenkins. While speaking with reporters at Halas Hall this week, Matt Eberflus did not rule out the idea that Bates would see most of his playing time at guard rather than center. Bates being an option at guard would certainly allow the Bears to use their financial resources elsewhere next offseason instead of re-signing Jenkins.