NFL Rumors: Packers Explore Salary Cap Adjustment as David Bakhtiari’s $20.9M Hit Hints at Potential Departure

It might finally be time for the Green Bay Packers and their OT David Bakhtiari to go their respective ways. Over the last couple of years, the OT’s involvement with the team has declined due to his multiple knee injuries. Bakhtiari, who first tore his ACL back in 2020, underwent his 5 ACL surgery in December 2023 and this affair is getting costly for the Packers.

However, parting ways with the 5x All-Pro would mean the Packers would have considerable cap space to spare. Hence, they can hire new talent who would be better for the Packers in case of liability. Some rumors are going around regarding his tenure with the Green Bay Packers as well. Bakhtiari signed a 4-yar $92M deal with the Packers in 2020 and this is his last year with the team. Would the Packers look to sign him again despite all odds?

Is David Bakhtiari’s condition a telltale sign of his departure from the Packers?

The possibility of Bakhtiari’s exit cannot be overlooked. NFL Rumors on X just posted about the possibility that suggested that Bakhtiari might just get the boot from the Packers because it would allow the team to save close to $21M in cap space. Bakhtiari’s contract with the Packers is coming to an end this season. If the Wisconsin team released David Bakhtiari before June 1, they would be eligible to save the millions of dollars in cap space.

It’s notable that the OT has missed 45 games since 2020 and has had 5 surgeries done on the same knee since that time. Also, he is the longest-tenured player on the roster and his contract with the Packers is just going to get hefty over time. It’s also worth noting that the Packers’ OT undoubtedly had a role to play in the missed playoffs in 2022 because he was left out of a handful of games, dropping the chances of his side unfortunately.

In 2021, Bakhtiari was replaced by Elgton Jenkins because of an unsuccessful knee surgery. However, Jenkins also ended up contracting an injury and the Packers hired Rasheed Walker as Jenkins’ replacement for the 2023 season. All this makes more of a case for the Packers to let go of Bakhtiari. But where would the 32-year-old LT end up himself?

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Future possibilities for David Bakhtiari

As of now, the New York Jets seem to be the best possible landing spot for the veteran OT. The reason behind this is his association with Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, and their OC Nathaniel Hackett. The thing about this trade is that Bakhtiari will have familiar names to welcome him to the team. Also, the Jets can hire him for considerably cheaper in comparison to his current side, allowing the pressure of the big amount associated with him to be removed.

Another option for him would be the Los Angeles Rams, considering the OT is a California native. This is because the 49ers and the Raiders don’t need a tackle in their arsenal currently, but his experience could sit well for the teams with the shared learnings. Bakhtiari can also find himself playing for the Denver Broncos because the team needs help with managing their cap, and also someone to handle the trenches.

Where would Bakhtiari land as his next team? Let us know your opinion below.

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