The Green Bay Packers and New York Jets made the biggest move of the off-season when Aaron Rodgers was sent from Green Bay to New Jersey. That move not only ushered in a new era for the Packers but put the Jets in (what they believe) a Super Bowl window. Many have thought that the two franchises could strike up another deal before 2023 is over. Those rumors only grew when former Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert made some comments regarding David Bakhtiari.
Kurt Benkert Suggests That The Green Bay Packers And New York Jets Could Work Out A Deal For David Bakhtiari (NFL)
Aaliyan Mohammed or Wisconsin Sports Heroics reported on these statements earlier today:
During his appearance on “Up and Adams” Benkert was asked which one of his Green Bay Packers teammates Aaron Rodgers will miss the most. Bankert answered and gave his take on a potential reunion.
“I’m going to put a really, really hot take in this, and I think there would be a chance that there is a reunion one day. Maybe this year, maybe next, I dont know, but I could see one more piece of the puzzle ending up in New York before it’s all said and done.”
-Kurt Benkert
Adams went on to ask Benkert why Bakhtiari doesn’t talk about the rumors, or come on her show to talk about the Aaron Rodgers trade. Benkert did not want to speak for him but gave his take on why the Green Bay Packers star left tackle won’t comment.
“I’m not going to put words in his mouth, but I think he would have a hard time not saying things.”
-Kurt Benkert
The conversation continued and Rodgers’ pay cut was brought up. When he took the pay cut he mentioned giving the team the ability to make more trades and signings since his salary was less of a burden on the salary cap. The Jets have spent a lot of money this offseason including recently adding Dalvin Cook to their offense. Benkert went on to talk about how if anyone else was going to join Aaron Rodgers in New York he thinks it would have to be Bakhtiari.
What Would A Packers-Jets Trade For David Bakhtiari Look Like?
If the Green Bay Packers have long-term faith in Yosh Nijman, getting a valuable draft pick for someone who will likely be gone after the 2023 season makes too much sense. Here is what our trade proposal looks like:
New York Jets Receive:
- LT David Bakhtiari
Green Bay Packers Receive:
- 2024 Second-Round Draft Pick (If Aaron Rodgers plays more than 65% of the snaps in 2023)
- OR 2024 Fourth Round Draft Pick and 2025 Third Round Draft Pick
This would be yet another “all in” move by the Jets. Head Coach Robert Saleh recently said that five players will be competing for the two starting tackle spots. Becton will have his work cut out for him with Duane Brown, Cedric Ogbuehi, Max Mitchell and Billy Turner all duking it out for playing time. Becton may view himself as a left tackle, but Saleh said he has to earn it: “Go earn the left tackle.” Why would Saleh not want Bakhtiari protecting Rodgers?
When Packers fans heard the Benkert’s comments, they took to social media to react:
A Bakhtiari trade isn’t crazy at all but I’d be SHOCKED if GB sent him to NY. https://t.co/vnmRTESML8
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) August 15, 2023
Here’s a hot take: If DB truly doesn’t want to be in GB, then I hope this happens.
A guy that practices neveryday and isn’t relied on to be ready each Sunday for a handful of draft picks and cap space?
Sign. Me. Up. https://t.co/NJHiIGxI6f
— Brandon Sneide (@Brandon_Sneide) August 15, 2023
“Oh yeah – It was to save room for David”. (Bakhtiari)
~ @KurtBenkert on Aaron Rodgers’ $35 million pay cut. https://t.co/scPQkTJk9g
— Mike Wickett 🇺🇲🎙🏈🏀👨👧👧👩👦🤘🚀 (@mikewickett) August 15, 2023
I mean I wouldn’t hate if the #Packers traded David Bakhtiari to the #Jets for a 2nd round pick 🤷♂️ #GoPackGo https://t.co/ZDxZNXDTix
— Arrick Upton (@ArrickUptonGB) August 15, 2023
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