Arguably the biggest strength for the Green Bay Packers heading into the 2023 season is their offensive line. Green Bay has what could be a top unit in the trenches as their starting lineup is excellent and they possess excellent depth.
The key to this unit reaching the heights they are capable of is the health of left tackle David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari has battled knee injuries the last few seasons, which has derailed his performance on the field.
After missing only six games in his first seven seasons in the NFL, Bakhtiari has missed at least four in three consecutive seasons. In 2021, he missed all but one game because of a balky knee.
This season is an important one for his future with the Packers. With a $40.5 million cap hit next season, something will have to give; he will not be retained at that number. If he is healthy, the team could be inclined to work out a contract extension with him. If he struggles or battles injuries again, they will have to release him.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes that the Packers should make that decision someone else’s problem. He suggested that Bakhtiari be the one player that Green Bay looks to move before the 2023 season, with the New York Jets being who they call.
The Jets have added a number of former Packers players this offseason, with the biggest one being quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Adding his blindside protector to their shaky offensive line would make a lot of sense.
Improving the depth on the offensive line to ensure that Rodgers remains upright all season is imperative to the team’s success. For Green Bay, clearing that cap space in 2023 would be enough motivation on top of whatever draft capital they receive.
While the suggestion by Ballentine does make sense, it isn’t one that will likely happen. Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst has heard the rumors and he made the team’s stance clear. They will not be trading Bakhtiari, as Gutekunst quickly shut down those trade rumors.
