As the Green Bay Packers navigate a challenging season, the looming question of what to do with veteran left tackle David Bakhtiari has become a focal point of discussion. Bakhtiari, plagued by recurring knee problems since tearing his ACL in December 2020, has struggled to stay on the field, playing just 13 games in the last three seasons.
Despite being one of the top left tackles in the game when healthy, Bakhtiari’s persistent injuries and age (32) raise concerns, especially in the context of the Packers’ ongoing youth movement. With the team in need of a strong, experienced voice, there’s a delicate balance between addressing financial constraints and retaining Bakhtiari’s veteran presence.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine argues that, from a financial standpoint, the Packers can’t move forward without at least restructuring Bakhtiari’s contract. The current scenario suggests that even a restructured deal would likely involve a pay cut or result in releasing him in the offseason.
The financial figures are significant. Bakhtiari is set to account for a $40.5 million cap hit next season, and if the team decides to release him, they would only be responsible for a $19.1 million dead cap charge. While this represents a substantial savings, it also reflects the harsh reality of potentially paying a player not to play.
Ballentine contends that injuries have likely shortened Bakhtiari’s career and impacted his performance, stating, “When healthy, Bakhtiari has been serviceable, but he’s just not reliable enough to keep around.” However, there’s a counterargument that when Bakhtiari has been on the field, he remains among the best left tackles in the game, as evidenced by his excellent grades in Week 1 this season.
The emotional factor comes into play as Bakhtiari, despite the setbacks, expresses a desire to continue playing in the NFL, even after his fifth knee operation in three years. The question remains whether he envisions this future with the Packers or elsewhere.
In a season where the Packers are balancing a youth movement and the need for experienced leadership, the decision on Bakhtiari’s future becomes a critical component that will impact the team’s dynamics on and off the field.