NFL insider provides final explanation on David Bakhtiari’s future with Green Bay Packers.
This past season, the Green Bay Packers made the playoffs as the NFL’s youngest squad. As the team prepares for an even brighter future, general manager Brian Gutekunst appears to have made a decision on the future of left tackle David Bakhtiari.
Bakhtiari, a five-time All-Pro, was one of several success stories from the Packers’ draft and development strategy. Bakhtiari, a fourth-round choice in the 2013 NFL Draft, earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2017. By 2020, he has been named to the All-Pro team five straight times.
Everything changed for Bakhtiari on December 31, 2020. Bakhtiari tore his ACL during the team’s final practice before the NFL playoffs. While ACL procedures can generally keep a player out for over a year, Bakhtiari had numerous setbacks.
After starting 106 games from 2013 to 2019, the Packers’ left tackle has featured in only 25 games over the last four seasons. After suffering another season-ending setback early in the 2023 season, Bakhtiari appears to have played his final snap in a Packers uniform.
In a mailbag for The Athletic, Packers beat reporter Matt Schneidman detailed why he would be ‘stunned’ if Bakhtiari returned to the team in 2024.
“No. Anything is possible, but I would be surprised if Bakhtiari returns. He’s excellent when healthy, but the Packers can’t rely on him to be consistently healthy anymore, even if all parties believe Bakhtiari’s most recent knee surgery is all he needs to be cleared. Furthermore, by releasing or selling Bakhtiari, the Packers can free up a significant chunk of cap room.
Green Bay may conceivably try to move Bakhtiari, seeing if Aaron Rodgers’ desire to reconcile with his former teammate convinces the New York Jets to trade for the veteran left tackle. However, New York and every other NFL team know the Packers will simply cut Bakhtiari.
In terms of the Packers’ future at left tackle, it appears that Rasheed Walker will fill that void. Walker, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, started 15 games this season and impressed the coaching staff and front office with his performance down the line.
With Walker and Zach Tom penciled in as starters at both tackle positions in 2024, Green Bay’s requirements will most likely shift to the defensive side of the ball. Under a new defensive coordinator, the Packers are expected to prioritize safety, linebacker, and cornerback this offseason.
