The Green Bay Packers find themselves squarely within a youth movement, indicating a potential shift towards a “out with some of the old” philosophy regarding roster spots. This strategy aims to create roster space and allocate cap funds for acquiring free agents who perfectly fit the team’s needs.
Last season, the newly appointed starting quarterback, Jordan Love, demonstrated his capabilities, progressively improving as the campaign unfolded. This performance showcased his potential as a suitable successor to the departing future Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers.
A significant contributor to this success was the unexpectedly strong performance of the offensive line, which played a crucial role in ensuring the protection and safety of Jordan Love as he executed plays.
Conspicuously absent from the success of the offensive line, however, was the veteran offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.
The 11-year veteran and five-time All-Pro suffered an injury during the season opener against the Chicago Bears in September 2023, leading to his fifth knee surgery since tearing his ACL on Dec. 31, 2020. Unfortunately, this injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season, marking the second time in three years that he only played one game in the entire season.
As he approaches his 33rd birthday in late September, the player, who was once Aaron Rodgers‘ primary teammate, aims to complete his recovery in time for training camp this summer. This period aligns with the final season of his four-year, $92 million contract. However, there are doubts among astute football observers about his ability to be fully field-ready shortly after that timeframe.
There is a prevailing belief that the Packers might opt to release David Bakhtiari and seek another tackle if they doubt his readiness for full-time play. However, alternative considerations suggest the possibility of using him as potential trade bait, with the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets being mentioned as a potential suitor.
The Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department has proposed a trade scenario that could be mutually beneficial for both teams. In this hypothetical trade, the Packers would offer Bakhtiari, their 2024 first-round pick (24th overall), their second-round pick, their third-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Jets in exchange for the Jets’ first-round pick (10th overall) in the upcoming draft.
When the trade between the Packers and the Jets, involving Aaron Rodgers, was finalized, Rodgers’ close friend and on-field partner, David Bakhtiari, expressed his emotions about seeing the quarterback leave Green Bay. In a social media post, Bakhtiari acknowledged the closure of a chapter but emphasized that their friendship was lifelong, thanking Rodgers for being instrumental in his life and expressing love for his brother.
Bakhtiari shared a poignant perspective, quoting, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” The question now arises whether there could be a potential reunion between Rodgers and Bakhtiari in the works. Speculation suggests the possibility, with the notion that a deal might not be necessary if the Packers decide to release the veteran tackle, making him available for the taking. Only time will reveal the outcome.
