The Green Bay Packers offensive line ranks in the top six of PFF’s units in pass blocking. Remarkably, they were among the top five teams in fewest sacks allowed despite All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari only playing in the first game of the season. Rashid Walker stepped into Bakhtiari’s shoes perfectly, posting the second-highest pass-blocking grade among tackles in the 2022 draft class.
Walker allowed just four quarterback hits all season. Jack Tome, meanwhile, ranked No. 6 among PFF offensive tackles in offensive blocking in the 2023 class, establishing himself as the best run blocker in the draft class. He earned PFF’s top mark in area rushing yards for that draft class. With Walker and Thome performing at an entry-level level, the Packers will have two quality tackles until their contracts expire in 2025.
But the team has a big decision to make. Bakhtiari is under contract for next season, while the left-back has struggled with injuries. Suffered a torn ACL on New Year’s Eve 2020 and missed 16 games in 2021 and 2023. He also missed 6 games in 2022. Bakhtiari turns 33 in September, and Green Bay may be hesitant to extend him after missing 38 games over the last three years.
In any cut or trade scenario involving Bakhtiari around June 1, the Packers would save $20 million in cap space but suffer a $19 million dead cap hit Over the Cap. While restructuring the contract won’t save you money, an extension could save you up to $15 million. A starting role requires absolute confidence in Bakhtiari’s health. That’s a level of confidence the Packers will never have. Bakhtiari is scheduled to make $40 million in 2024, so Green Bay will need to find a reasonable way to cut him.
The Packers and Bakhtiari could explore a salary cap deal similar to the one they did with Aaron Jones at the start of the 2023 season. That move would free up valuable cap space and allow for potential free agent signings. may be It also addresses the priority of extending Jordan Love this offseason.
