David Bakhtiari and the Green Bay Packers suffered a brutal loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The 20-16 defeat dashed the Packers’ playoff hopes. Their improbable run from 4-8 to a playoff berth came up one game shy. Going into the 2023 season there will be a lot of questions regarding the roster and who will stay. Bahktiari made an eye-opening statement after the game regarding continuing the play in the NFL.
David Bakhtiari: “No Retirement In Sight”
Per Ryan Wood of USA Today:
Packers’ LT David Bakhtiari made clear he wants to be back. Retirement is not on his mind at all. He feels knee situation stabilized during year. No more surgeries scheduled. Bakhtiari would not say if he’d take a pay cut to return but, with how he feels, he expects to have a big 2023.
David Bakhtiari said retirement crossed his mind after third knee surgery: “Does doubts happen? Sure. Shit, third f**king time? But I’m like, no. In my perspective, that’s such a quitter, weak mindset. That’s not me. This ain’t going to be the reason that’s going to stop me.”
Having David Bahktiari back would be massive for this offensive line. When healthy and playing, Bakhtiari remains one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Bakhtiari, has had a tough couple of years after he sustained an ACL injury. Bakhtiari has not been a guaranteed starter for the Packers three surgeries later. He missed several games early in the season as he rehabbed his knee. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Bakhtiari was day-to-day every week for the remainder of the season. Bakhtiari also had an appendectomy in Week 13. He’s missed multiple games after he had the procedure on his appendix.
It will be interesting to see if Green Bay asks Bakhtiari to take a pay cut or restructure his contract. While he remains one of the best left tackles in the game, the best ability is availability. Bakhtiari played in 11 of 17 games in 2022. The Packers would certainly love to have #69 back protecting the quarterback’s blind side, however it will be difficult navigating his contract and the salary cap in 2023. Bakhtiari signed a massive four-year $92 million dollar contract that will keep him in Green Bay through the 2024 season.
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