Long-time Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari was released by the team on March 11, 2024. A new era is set to begin for the 32-year-old as he enters free agency.
There were questions on whether or not he’d retire in 2024 after dealing with injuries throughout his career. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Bakhtiari “is diligently rehabbing” and expecting to return to play.
Where could Bakhtiari go moving forward? We examine his top landing spots.
David Bakhtiari Free Agency Landing Spots
David Bakhtiari Lands in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys are going to be without Tyron Smith following him signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets. There’s a clear need for a left tackle on the roster, and Bakhtiari is available.
Bakhtiari suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 28 — the following month, it was announced that he’d miss the remainder of the season.
When healthy, Bakhtiari has played 131 games and started in all of them. He’s also taken 8,433 snaps as a pro and has been on the field 81% of the time in games he’s played.
If he can return to some semblance of health, Dallas could use Bakhtiari’s ability along the line. He also has a history with Mike McCarthy in Green Bay.
Baltimore Has a Gap Bakhtiari Could Fill
The Baltimore Ravens have a hole at right tackle. Bakhtiari is a left tackle by trade, but it could be an opportunity for him to learn a new position. His pass-blocking skills and experience would provide solid protection for Lamar Jackson and aid in strengthening the offensive line.
Injuries are a concern, but if Bakhtiari is healthy, he’s one of the top tackles in the NFL. Jackson also would take pressure off of Bakhtiari in pass-blocking situations by buying extra time and creating chances for him to reset his feet.
Baltimore also needs some more veteran leadership along the line with the departure of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. The Ravens would potentially start Daniel Faalele, Ben Cleveland, and Andrew Vorhees in their places.
A Bakhtiari acquisition may take the Ravens out of the running for a first-round lineman.
Arizona Seems Like a Solid Destination
For the same reasons why Jackson could potentially give Bakhtiari more time to reset in pass-blocking sets, Kyler Murray could do some of the same. Bakhtiari could also be a veteran who brings knowledge to a relatively young offensive line, including 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr.
KEEP READING: Who Will Sign Donovan Smith in Free Agency?
While he would turn 33 on Sept. 30, Bakhtiari is a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time first-team All-Pro and a three-time second-team All-Pro. That pedigree is almost always going to provide an upgrade, especially for the Arizona Cardinals.
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.