The Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers may target the best remaining left tackle, David Bakhtiari this summer. According to a report, one source says the bargain-free agent could find a new home soon with the Super Bowl contenders. Bakhtiari is getting older so it would probably be wise to put him in a position in a blockbuster offense to find himself again and win a ring. The Chiefs do have some questions to answer at the offensive line after not extending Donovan Smith.
He may be on the market but Bakhtiari might be the best available since they don’t know what he could provide to protect Patrick Mahomes. However, he does have an excellent track record of injuries after suffering a torn ACL in 2020, following a late return in week 18. He has been battling injuries after playing just one week against the Chicago Bears last season. Bakhtiari didn’t play the rest of that year but he’s now fully healthy this upcoming season so he still wants to play more seasons before he retires.
As long as he doesn’t sustain another injury, there should be no question of why he can’t go again. He was one of the premier left tackles in the game for the last decade next to Tyron Smith. The Packers don’t plan to bring him back since they look to be a lock at the position after Rasheed Walker has been impressive. The Chargers should also be a fit since Jim Harbaugh wants to build this offense behind a strong running game for Justin Herbert.
This doesn’t happen without a strong offensive line so they need to reinforce the entire protection to add one more veteran next to Joe Alt. Here are some other potential destinations for Bakhtiari.
Chiefs, Chargers May Target Best Remaining Left Tackle David Bakhtiari
Other Potential Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have at least been doing their homework to add a supporting offensive line for Derek Carr. They might as well keep building that line since the Saints don’t have a lot of options at wide receiver. Chris Olave is the only promising weapon on the team but adding an experienced veteran Bakhtari buys Carr some time in the pocket. He isn’t god by any sort since he does have a history of injuries but he’s a flier when healthy. Dennis Allen should consider running this offense behind a strong running game with Alvin Kamara similar to what Jim Harbaugh is doing.
It’s the least the Saints could do since they can’t trade for any big-time receiver like Brandon Aiyuk or Courtland Sutton to help level the group.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been losing a ton of veterans this offseason including Smith and Tyler Biadasz. However, they were able to bring in Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe to help create some homegrown talent around Dak Prescott. It should be safe to build around a veteran for three more years who still has a lot to prove in today’s league. Bakhtiari joining Dallas would make too much sense considering the contract he might be demanding, wouldn’t cost the Cowboys a fortune.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are the dark horse to get another tackle to reinforce their offensive line. It’s not the biggest need since Ronnie Stanley is the starter but it would make sense to rotate him around if they feel the need to give him some rest. Nothing should be the end of the world if it means adding one more solid veteran piece to protect Lamar Jackson.
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