Cullen

Jenkins

Jenkins is making use of his time in the Northwest. He also visited the Seahawks on Monday and the 49ers Wednesday following last week’s meeting with the Giants. Jenkins’ ability to rush the passer from the interior is appealing.

We’ll believe the paper on this one. Official details should emerge within the next day or two. Jenkins also said he wants to retire an Eagle. “I want to finish my career as an Eagle. That’s definitely something we took into consideration.” If Jenkins’ deal is still structured anything like it was before Tuesday, it’s likely his contract includes minimal guarantees beyond 2012.

Details are unavailable, but Jenkins was due a $5 million roster bonus on March 13, which on top of his $2.75 million base salary would have given him a prohibitive 2012 cap number of $7.75 million. Essentially playing on a one-year deal last season since the “five-year, $30 million” pact he signed in July was not guaranteed beyond 2011 and didn’t include a signing bonus, Jenkins performed well, notching 40 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

He should be considered day-to-day. Part of the Eagles’ big free agent haul, Jenkins has more-or-less produced as expected, notching 34 tackles and six sacks in 13 games. Due a $5 million roster bonus this offseason, it’s possible Jenkins will be let go, but he’ll more than likely be back with the Eagles in 2012.

Beat writer Les Bowen believes the Eagles would be foolish to let Jenkins go after he played hard all season on a struggling team, but it’s not out of the question that Philly viewed Jenkins as a one-year rental all along. Cutting Jenkins in year two of his supposed $30 million contract would immediately save $7.75 million under the cap. He’s due a $5M roster bonus on March 13.

The Eagles would take no salary cap hit if they cut ties with Jenkins because his original, five-year, $30 million deal included no signing bonus. Cutting Jenkins would save $7.75 million in cap space. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel suggests that the Packers might have interest in bringing Jenkins back if that occurs. He finished the 2011 season with 40 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

“He gives you a little bit in the run game,” coach Andy Reid said. “Just a big body, and he is athletic enough where he can still pass rush from out there.” Jenkins’ primary position will remain three-technique tackle in base packages, but he’s shown capable of rushing the passer from the perimeter on occasion. Jenkins’ versatility could end up saving the Eagles a roster spot.

Jenkins hyperextended his knee in the Eagles’ Week 8 loss to the Falcons, but practiced Friday and Saturday and is expected to be active, barring any setbacks. Jenkins will start opposite first-round rookie Fletcher Cox, who was promoted to the starting lineup this week.

“The Baltimore Ravens, they’re one of those defenses where they feel they are the big brother where they feel they can punk everybody and do whatever they feel is right,” said Jackson. “I caught a ball and a defender got in my face and I pushed him out of my face. It went from one push to another push and eventually went to some blows.” Eagles DT Cullen Jenkins was also fined $7,875 for unnecessary roughness.

Around 6PM ET Sunday, Jenkins tweeted “Next chapter beginning??? I think so.” Perhaps he’s reading Fifty Shades of Grey -- or close to signing with a new team. There are as many as six teams in the mix for the versatile interior lineman, but none are the Packers. Jenkins spent the first seven years of his career in Green Bay before becoming part of the Eagles’ failed “Dream Team” experiment.