NFL speculations abound over David Bakhtiari's future. First, he must recover from another major knee operation. He and the Green Bay Packers must decide whether to continue the collaboration. Financial and roster-construction layers exist.
Bakhtiati's reunion with Aaron Rodgers, which would need another Packers-Jets deal, is always fascinating. Bakhtiari stated on X (previously Twitter) that he will play for the Packers next season.
David Bakhtiari made his Packers debut in 2013 at left tackle. After his 2020 injury, the club has alternated Elgton Jenkins, Billy Turner, Yosh Nijman, Zach Tom, and Rasheed Walker.
After Zach Tom became a full-time right tackle, former seventh-round selection Rasheed Walker has played left tackle, but former starter Yosh Nijman has also played in the previous month.
With no clear left tackle option and no certainty Bakhtiari would return, the Packers may choose a tackle in the first round in 2024. Zach Tom at left tackle if Bakhtiari goes is another option. Tom and Walker have contracts until 2025, but Nijman will be a free agent.
Due to the Packers' youthful roster and Bakhtiari's age and price, there were whispers that they may move the left tackle to the Jets before the season. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst denied relocating Bakhtiari.
"First of all, we're not trading David," Gutekunst declared in August. "So let's just get that out of the way because I know there's been a little bit of chatter about that, and it's not going to happen." Bakhtiari was crucial to developing Jordan Love. Since the quarterback has played better without the starting left tackle, Bakhtiari's return would be crucial for the Packers' future.
Bakhtiari is 32. He was a first-team All-Pro left tackle in 2018 and 2020 and a second-team All-Pro in 2016, 2017, and 2019. He made the Pro Bowl three times (2016, 2019, 2020).