How Does David Bakhtiari Fit Into the Packers’ Plans?
The offensive line of the Green Bay Packers is ranked among the top six pass-blocking groups by PFF. Notably, despite All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari playing in just the season’s opening game, they were among the top five teams with the fewest sacks allowed.
With ease, Rasheed Walker filled in for Bakhtiari, obtaining the second-best pass-blocking grade among the draft class of 2022 tackles. Over the whole season, Walker gave up just four quarterback hits. Conversely, Zach Tom distinguished himself as the best run blocker in his draft class by emerging as PFF’s sixth-highest-graded offensive lineman in 2023. In that draft class, he claimed PFF’s highest mark for zone runs.
The Packers have two strong tackles until their contracts expire in 2025 in Walker and Tom, who are both putting up performances worthy of a starting lineup. But the squad needs to make a big choice. Next season is Bakhtiari’s contract year, and the standout left tackle has injury concerns. He missed sixteen games in 2021 and 2023 after rupturing his ACL on New Year’s Eve in 2020. In 2022, he missed six games as well. After missing 38 games in the previous three years, Bakhtiari, who turns 33 in September, may be reluctant to sign a longer contract with Green Bay.
According to Over the Cap, the Packers would save $20 million in cap space but incur a $19 million dead cap penalty in any cut-or-trade situation involving Bakhtiari before or after June 1. Reorganizing his
contract would not result in any savings, while an extension might save up to $15 million. The problem is that the Packers might never be able to guarantee Bakhtiari’s health enough to play a starting role.
Bakhtiari’s $40 million cap hit is coming in 2024, so Green Bay needs to figure out a practical method to lessen it. Like they did with Aaron Jones before the start of the 2023 season, the Packers and Bakhtiari might try to come to a deal on a pay reduction. A move of this kind might clear up significant cap space, opening the door for possible free agent acquisitions. Additionally, it would take care of Jordan Love’s extension during the summer.
In the best-case scenario, the Packers would need to reorganize their offensive line if Bakhtiari was healthy enough to start every game. Bakhtiari’s return to left tackle puts Walker’s status front and center. Tom is among the top-15 tackles according to PFF, thus the Packers might bring him back to the bench until they move him to guard.
In addition to potentially occupying the space left by Jon Runyan Jr.’s upcoming free agency, this move would allow Walker to take over at right tackle. Nevertheless, the Packers might be hesitant to move Tom off right tackle given his efficacy there. In the event that Bakhtiari’s availability falls short of expectations, Green Bay may opt to start tackles Walker and Tom in the lineup. In a situation like this, the club might think about switching Sean Rhyan to right guard.
In the event that Bakhtiari continues to show strength and health, the Packers might think about keeping him on into 2024. However, given Bakhtiari’s history of injuries, this potential rests on a big “if.” Given the ambiguity surrounding his knee injury, the Packers are unlikely to be completely certain or even justified in their belief.
trust in his ability to be available in the future.
As such, Green Bay might have to decide whether to take a chance on paying a guy whose playing time is still up in the air a sizable chunk of their salary cap? Considering the uncertainty surrounding Bakhtiari’s durability, it doesn’t seem plausible that the Packers would risk so much money. Up to 2024, Green Bay will have approximately $3 million in cap space. Jordan Love, Kenny Clark, and perhaps the majority of their players from the last two draft classes will need to be extended by Gutekunst.
The Packers would most likely get a Day 3 draft pick at most in a trade for Bakhtiari. An NFL team would not accept a higher offer for a player whose status is still unknown. Bakhtiari and Aaron Rodgers might be reunited in New
York, but it’s possible that he won’t agree to play home games on MetLife Stadium.
The most likely scenario would include Bakhtiari being released by the Packers if the team and him are unable to come to an agreement on a wage cut and a trade is not possible.
Bakhtiari has already stated that he plans to rejoin the team in good health for the next campaign. The Packers may have three starting-caliber tackles on the roster if his recuperation goes according to plan, giving them options in how they manage the tackle position.
Despite David Bakhtiari missing sixteen games, the Packers’ offensive line was in the top 10 in the league for pass protection this season. Should he be able to regain his previous level of performance, Green Bay might own the league’s top pass-protecting offensive line.