Green Bay Packers expect David Bakhtiari decision before start of league year

The Packers have a delicate decision to make in regards to David Bakhtiari, their All-Pro left tackle who hasn’t played much since he signed his last contract.

Obviously, Bakhtiari is one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. That’s when he’s healthy. And he hasn’t been healthy in a while.

The NFL kicks off its new business season on March 13. Packers fans, you can note that date in your calendar. Because by then, Green Bay will know their plans for Bakhtiari.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters Tuesday that he’d “Like to have a decision before that.” The issue is Bakhtiari’s contract, which has one more season on it. It’ll cost the team $40 million in cap money if nothing is done before the 13th.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re getting there,” Gutekunst added. “This is that time of year where we’re looking at everything, and those decisions will come pretty soon.”

Six weeks after Bakhtiari signed huge deal in 2020, he tore his ACL. He’s played in 11 games since then

This all dates back to the end of 2020, back when Bakhtiari signed a four-year, $105.5 million contract extension. At that time, he became the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Three-plus years later, his annual salary ranks third behind Laremy Tunsil, at $25 million, and Trent Williams at $23.1 million.

Six weeks after the Packers made the deal with Bakhtiari, the tackle tore his ACL in practice. He missed all but one game in 2021. And in the one game he played, he was in on only 20 snaps. Bakhtiari made 11 games. Then in 2023, the Packers placed him on injured reserve after the season opener. He had two surgeries on his left knee last year.

If Green Bay releases or trades Bakhtiari, the move would clear $21.5 million in cap space. No matter what they do, the Packers will still be stuck counting $20 million towards the cap in dead money. And they’ll need to make this decision before Bakhtiari is even cleared to play.

The Green Bay offense made do with Rasheed Walker at left tackle last year. So the Packers could stick with Walker and maybe draft a tackle in April. That would allow the team to release Bakhtiari with a replacement plan in place.