After just one season in Chicago, Tevin Jenkins’ time in the Windy City may be coming to a close. The Chicago Bears have received calls and held trade talks regarding their second-year offensive lineman. According to NFL Media.
Jenkins missed 11 games last season after back surgery. The 24-year-old has yet to take part in the training camp as he is dealing with an undisclosed ailment. Larry Borrom, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is getting the bulk of the camp reps the right way.
Jenkins was never in Chicago’s long-term plans when the team changed general managers this offseason. As Ryan Polis succeeded Ryan Pace as GM, Jenkins was passed over at left tackle in favor of fifth-round pick Braxton Jones. Riley Reiff, a veteran lineman who helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl last year, is also competing for the Bears’ starting left tackle spot. That left Jenkins in a battle for the team’s starting right tackle spot with Boroom.
During Pace’s seven-year tenure as Bears GM, only six of the Bears’ first- and second-round picks are still on the team’s roster: Jenkins, quarterback Justin Fields, tight end Cole Kemet, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, line Baker Roquan Smith and left guard Cody Whitehair (h/t Jason Lazer of the Chicago Sun Times).
Despite his injuries, Jenkins should find a strong market if the Bears choose to trade him. The 39th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jenkins earned all-conference honors during his final year at Oklahoma State. He won the program’s Barry Sanders Award in 2018 (given to the player with the most contributions with minimal recognition) and the OSU Thurman Thomas Award in 2019 (given to the school’s outstanding offensive player).
