Will David Bakhtiari return to the Packers in 2023?
Green Bay Packers’ GM, Brian Gutekunst recently spoke with USA Today and delved into several topics, including the questions surrounding the future of the club’s franchise Left Tackle, David Bakhtiari.
Brian Gutekunst Hopeful For David Bakhtiari’s Return in 2023
“I would hope so,” Gutekunst told USA Today about David Bakhtiari’s potential Green Bay return. “I think we’re hopeful that he’s kind of cleared some of those injury hurdles that he had the last few years,” Gutekunst said. “He got into a really good rhythm of learning what he needed to practice to get to the games, and I’m hopeful as we get beyond this season that rhythm will serve him well as we go forward.”
David Bakhtiari’s Contract Details
If Bakhtiari returns to Green Bay in 2023, the 31-year-old tackle is under contract with the Packers in 2023 but the California-native’s cap hit takes a staggering $13.8 million to $28.9 million leap for next season. As Gutekunst mentioned, Bakhtiari has had an injury riddled two seasons, including three knee surgeries in the last 18 months as he heads into his age 32 season, this coming September.
When it comes to bringing Bakhtiari’s money down in 2023 in order to make it work in Green Bay, the club can get creative, which may include converting the LT’s $9.5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus, which could then be prorated over the duration of his remaining deal. Alternatively, the Packers could ask the veteran to re-do his deal or take an outright pay-cut.
While David Bakhtiari is certainly sure to be a big domino to fall this off-season for the Packers, see what the latest news is surrounding the club’s QB, Aaron Rodgers, who could also find his way out of Green Bay ahead of the new league year, this coming March.
David Bakhtiari Accolades
- 2x First-team All-Pro (Green Bay): 2018, 2020
- 3x Second-team All-Pro (Green Bay): 2016, 2017, 2019
- 3x Pro Bowl Selection (Green Bay): 2016, 2019, 2020
- 2x Second-team All-Pac 12 (Colorado): 2011, 2012
- NFL Draft 2013 (Green Bay): Round 4, Pick 109
For More NFL and Green Bay Packers Content
Follow me on Twitter at @ColbysBets, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest Green Bay Packers news, as well as around the rest of the NFL, click here!
