The Packers’ upcoming decisions regarding David Bakhtiari will be pivotal for their 2024 offseason, impacting various aspects from salary cap management to long-term planning for the offensive line. Over the years, the Packers have had a knack for discovering quality offensive linemen in later rounds of the NFL Draft, a trend that extends back to the 1990s with players like Adam Timmerman and Marco Rivera, and continued through the 2000s and 2010s with names such as Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley, and David Bakhtiari.
In 2022, the Packers may have struck gold again with Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker. While Tom showcased versatility by playing right tackle as a rookie, Walker took some time to find his rhythm. However, he demonstrated strong performance towards the end of the 2023 season when filling in for Bakhtiari, who has been dealing with lingering knee issues stemming from an ACL tear in 2020.
Now, the Packers face a critical decision regarding Bakhtiari, whose contract carries a hefty salary cap hit of over $40 million for 2024. Releasing him would result in significant cap savings of about $21 million, offering the team flexibility, especially considering their somewhat tight cap situation. However, this decision goes beyond financial considerations; it could signify a transition towards Walker as the starting left tackle while also highlighting the need to address depth at the tackle position, potentially through the draft.
With the quarterback situation seemingly settled with Jordan Love, the left tackle position emerges as one of the team’s primary concerns. The resolution of this decision, ideally before free agency begins, will set the tone for the Packers’ offseason moves.
Various sources discuss the potential outcomes, from Bakhtiari’s departure to the emergence of Walker as the starting left tackle, highlighting the financial implications and the team’s future plans for protecting Jordan Love.
