There’s something undeniably special about watching Teven Jenkins suit up for the Chicago Bears. He embodies what it means to be a Bear: tough, physical, and an excellent teammate—one of the few players who consistently steps up to protect his quarterback. However, the issue isn’t what he brings to the field, but rather when he’s on it. Jenkins has battled injuries throughout his career, and a fresh start might be what’s best for both him and the Bears.
A Fresh Start Is Best for Bears Guard Teven Jenkins
For the Bears, the priority is stability along the offensive line—something Jenkins hasn’t been able to provide. While his talent is undeniable, his availability has been a recurring issue. Any team acquiring Jenkins would be landing a steal. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 321 pounds, Jenkins is a dominant force in the trenches, ranking 16th in the NFL among guards according to Pro Football Focus.
For Bears fans holding out hope he might stay on a team-friendly deal, that seems unlikely. With that in mind, here are a few potential destinations for the 26-year-old lineman.
Player-Swap in KC
An unlikely scenario, what if the Chiefs can’t pay their superstar guard Trey Smith the money he wants? Maybe, just maybe, the Bears sign Smith, and Teven Jenkins goes to Kansas City to replace him. The Chiefs have a reputation for seamlessly replacing high-profile departures, and Jenkins could flourish in their system. He’ll thrive surrounded by All-Pro talents in Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney in the interior and won’t have the burden of playing alongside subpar play from his days in Chicago. Jenkins also has versatility playing tackle in college if the Chiefs want to kick him outside.
Protecting Their Two-Time MVP
Another intriguing fit for Jenkins is the Baltimore Ravens. With several offensive linemen—Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Mekari, Ben Cleveland, and Josh Jones—set to hit free agency after this season, Baltimore’s front line will have a lot of moving parts.
Jenkins excelled in Chicago’s offense when Justin Fields was under center, a system built around mobility and movement, and that’s exactly how it is in Baltimore with Lamar Jackson under center. Jenkins could be a perfect fit for the Ravens’ scheme, providing a physical, reliable presence to protect their two-time MVP.
#Bears Teven Jenkins lays out Harrison Smith 35 yards downfield. pic.twitter.com/jPWGt4N1J0
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) November 25, 2024
Last Word on Teven Jenkins
It’s never easy to part with a player who has shown glimpses of dominance. But for Bears general manager Ryan Poles, it’s time to make decisions with logic over sentiment. The Bears need linemen who can consistently stay on the field. As the saying goes, “The best ability is availability,” and that’s where Jenkins has struggled.
With over $80 million in cap space and three picks in the first two rounds of the draft, the Bears have the resources to rebuild their offensive line and address one of the team’s biggest weaknesses. For Jenkins, a change of scenery could be the key to unlocking his full potential and proving he belongs in the conversation among the NFL’s top linemen.
Contract Projection: Two year, $28 million
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
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