For the first time in his storied career, free agent offensive tackle David Bakhtiari is not going to play for the Green Bay Packers. A fourth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft class, the Colorado product immediately outplayed his draft stock and wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best players in the game. A three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-Team All-Pro, Bakhtiari used to be in the discussion for the best offensive tackle in football.
Unfortunately, life in the NFL changes quickly, and the past few years have not been kind to the Packers legend. After suffering a season-ending injury late in the 2020 season, Bakhtiari has been unable to stay healthy. The offensive tackle has played in just 13 games over the past three seasons, and thanks to his massive cap hit, the Packers had no choice but to cut David Bakhtiari and make him a free agent.
Now facing the prospect of changing teams, some questioned if the oft-injured tackle would call it a career. However, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, David Bakhtiari plans to test the free agent market and suit up once again in 2024.
When the #Packers released All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari, there were some questions about what's next. My understanding: He is diligently rehabbing and is focused on returning to play this coming season, I'm told. He's taking it as it comes. But plans to play.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2024
David Bakhtiari Will Not Retire, Plans To Test Free Agent Market
David Bakhtiari might want to play in 2024, but it’s hard to see any team giving him any type of guaranteed money as a free agent. At the end of the day, the best ability is availability, and the offensive tackle simply hasn’t found a way to stay on the field. Since 2020, the Colorado product has undergone five surgeries on the same knee, and it’s highly unlikely that this latest rehab session will permanently fix the issue.
However, it’s worth noting that the injuries have not affected Bakhtiari’s on-field ability. The left tackle started 11 games in 2022, and he finished the season with a strong 79.8 PFF grade, the 12th-best mark out of 81 eligible players. There are not enough good tackles to go around, and if this type of performance is in his range of outcomes, somebody is going to take a risk on him. Assuming David Bakhtiari can pass a physical, the following five teams might consider giving the free agent an incentive-laden contract.
Best Team Fits
New England Patriots
With news that Mike Onwenu is going to play right tackle for the Patriots, New England only has one glaring flaw on their offensive line. With Trent Brown on the way out, somebody is going to have to play left tackle for this team. After missing out on all the top free agent options, the Patriots might have no choice but to pivot to David Bakhtiari. New England will probably draft a tackle in the second or third round, but in case that player isn’t ready, Bakhtiari can handle starting duties for as long as he’s healthy.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans have done a remarkable job building around Will Levis. The team secured the center position with Lloyd Cushenberry and added a great route runner in Calvin Ridley. Now, they need to secure the tackle position. Chances are, the team will draft Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu, but tackles historically have one of the hardest adjustments from college to the pros. There is a chance that even a highly drafted rookie like these two will need time to adjust, which makes David Bakhtiari a perfect free agent signing.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints do not have a reliable left tackle, especially since Andrus Peat is still a free agent. Derek Carr has a difficult time performing under pressure, so this team needs to find better tackle play if they want to finally make it back to the playoffs. A healthy version of David Bakhtiari can provide Carr with all the protection he needs, and that upside alone justifies a free agent signing.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a great left tackle in Rashawn Slater. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for their right tackle position. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman want to build a tough, physical football team, and that begins with the trenches. David Bakhtiari might not be the picture of health, but he brings the attitude and hard-nosed style of play that these coaches crave.
Baltimore Ravens
The 2024 offseason has been a nightmare for the Baltimore Ravens. The team had the best roster in the league last year, but the bill has come due. The team already lost Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and Kevin Zeitler, and they don’t have the money to find top-dollar replacements. David Bakhtiari spent his whole career on the left side of the offensive line, but he might be willing to switch sides if it means getting a starting job as a free agent.
Main Photo: Mike De Sisti – USA Today Sports
