PACKERS STAR LEFT TACKLE’S FUTURE IN JEOPARDY AFTER MAJOR SURGERY
Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is facing an uncertain future with the team following another significant knee surgery. Despite the uncertainty, the five-time All-Pro is keeping his sense of humor intact.
Bakhtiari recently addressed rumors about his potential departure from Green Bay this offseason. An article from The Athletic suggested that the Packers would “assuredly trade or release Bakhtiari” due to his hefty $40 million salary-cap hit for the upcoming 2024 season and concerns about his surgically repaired knee. However, it was later clarified that this statement was merely an opinion and not based on concrete information.
In response to the speculation, Bakhtiari playfully pointed the finger at journalist Matt Schneidman, saying, “If I get fired because of this, I blame you.” The lighthearted comment showcases Bakhtiari’s ability to find humor in the midst of uncertainty.
Despite the rumors and speculation surrounding his future, Bakhtiari remains focused and determined. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds for the Packers star left tackle.
Bakhtiari’s Future with Packers Uncertain: Will He Stay or Go?
In a recent exchange with a local beat reporter, Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari joked about his uncertain future with the team. While the banter may have been light-hearted, there is no denying that the Packers face a major decision when it comes to Bakhtiari.
Over the past three seasons, Bakhtiari has proven himself as an elite player when he is healthy and able to take the field. However, his recurring knee complications have caused him to miss a staggering 38 regular-season games. During the 2023 season, he was only able to play in one game before undergoing yet another surgery on his knee.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the financial aspect. The Packers signed Bakhtiari to a lucrative four-year, $92 million extension just months before his first ACL tear. Now, as he enters the final year of his contract in 2024, the team has the opportunity to save approximately $20.93 million against the salary cap if they choose to release or trade him.
It’s no surprise that some speculate the Packers will part ways with Bakhtiari during the upcoming offseason. While it’s only speculation at this point, the team’s financial considerations and Bakhtiari’s injury history make it a possibility.
Fortunately for the Packers, they have options to fill Bakhtiari’s role if necessary. Rasheed Walker, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, showed promise when he filled in for Bakhtiari for most of the 2023 season. Additionally, the team holds the No. 25 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, which could be used to secure a long-term replacement.
If the Packers do decide to move on from Bakhtiari in 2024, it is likely that they will release him rather than find a trade partner. Finding a trade for a 32-year-old left tackle with injury concerns and a hefty $20.2 million salary would be challenging. However, there is a possibility that the New York Jets could be interested in acquiring Bakhtiari and reuniting him with former teammate Aaron Rodgers.
According to reports, Rodgers had Bakhtiari on his “wish list” of players he would like to see join him in New York. While the Jets did sign some of Rodgers’ former teammates, adding Bakhtiari on his current contract would be a difficult financial hurdle. If the Jets are interested in Bakhtiari for the 2024 season, they may have the opportunity to sign him under new contract terms if the Packers release him.
While a trade is not out of the question if multiple teams express interest, the Jets may benefit from exercising patience. By waiting for the Packers to release Bakhtiari, the Jets could potentially sign him without giving up valuable draft assets.
The future of David Bakhtiari with the Green Bay Packers remains uncertain. As the team weighs their options, it is clear that a difficult decision lies ahead. Will Bakhtiari stay or go? Only time will tell.
According to the Source heavy.com