The Green Bay Packers made the difficult decision to move on from their long-time left tackle this off-season. For the first time in his career, David Bakhtiari will test free agency. The decision was based on two major factors: Bakhtiari’s health over the last three seasons, and his massive $40 million cap hit.
However, Week One of the 2023 NFL Season proved that when healthy, Bakhtiari is still one of the best in the business. There is no doubt that he will have suitors in free agency, however, that won’t be the case for one team.
Former Green Bay Packers Left Tackle David Bakhtiari Gets Brutal Free Agency News
According to multiple reports, the New York Jets won’t be interested in Bakhtiari in 2024 based on one major move:
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini:
Securing a top performer in their offensive line overhaul, the New York Jets agreed to terms Friday night with former Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Smith will sign a one-year contract that could be worth up to $20 million with incentives, according to a source. The base value wasn’t immediately available.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, coming back from Achilles surgery, will have a new-look line in front of him. In a span of five days, the Jets have added three starters: Smith, left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses.
Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari were teammate for the better part of the last decade. It is also public knowledge that the two are very good friends off the field as well.
When Bakhtiari was released by the Green Bay Packers, it was widely presumed that the Jets would target the veteran left tackle. Bakhtiari has missed a ton of playing time over the last three seasons due to lingering knee issues that stem from his December 2020 ACL tear. However, it has been made pretty clear that he is on track to play in 2024.
NFL Fans Reacted Accordingly To The New York Jets Signing A Different Left Tackle
The Jets surprised everyone by signing tackle Tyron Smith to an incentive-laden deal. This unexpected move upgrades their offensive line, potentially impacting their pursuit of David Bakhtiari. Smith's agreement may lead to more… https://t.co/u3AjrJRLgf
— NFL Digest (@nflpress_digest) March 16, 2024
If Rodgers can talk his bestie David Bakhtiari into signing as a depth piece this OL will be the best the Jets have had since the days of D’Brick and Mangold.
— DrStu (@Dr_Smay21) March 16, 2024
Jet fans the Jets have added three OL starters this week: Tyron Smith, left guard John Simpson and right tackle
Morgan Moses. Now if they want to bring in Rodgers boy the oft injured David Bakhtiari on a flyer, for depth and compete I have no issues.— Detry-Primetyme Unlimited (@1Detry) March 16, 2024
I do not understand the surprise level on here that the Jets signed “not David Bakhtiari”… in mid-March.
He is nowhere near close to being able to play – He said that in a Friday interview. He can’t pass a physical. The Packers released him with a failed physical designation.…
— Ken Ingalls – Packers Cap 💰 (@KenIngalls) March 16, 2024
