When healthy, David Bakhtiari is one of the better left tackles in the NFL. The issue is he’s played in just 13 games over the last three seasons.
After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Bakhtiari went on to start all 16 games for the Packers at left tackle after incumbent starter Brian Bulaga tore his ACL in the preseason. Bulaga returned healthy in 2014, but because of the play of Bakhtiari, he was moved to right tackle, leaving the second year player to protect the blindside of Aaron Rodgers.
During his 11 seasons in Green Bay, Bakhtiari made All-Pro five times and was selected to three Pro Bowls. From 2013 to 2020 he missed a total of 10 games.
Injuries caught up to him in 2021, and this past March, he was released by the Packers.
Much speculation has been made about the state of Washington’s offensive tackles. Cornelius Lucas, who is best served as a swing tackle, is penciled in at left tackle, with the turnstile Andrew Wylie setting up on the right side. To say the Commanders need upgrades at both positions would be an understatement.
Just yesterday, Ian Rapoport reported that Bakhtiari had a recent exam with Dr. Brian Cole on his surgically repaired knee, and he was on schedule to return in 2024.
Former #Packers All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari, who is recovering from knee surgeries, had a positive follow-up exam with expert Dr. Brian Cole, and Cole proclaimed him on schedule for a 2024 season return.
Cole is the chairman of Orthopaedics at Rush University Medical Center in… pic.twitter.com/7GtC0pOzSy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 21, 2024
The biggest questions here are when he will be ready to return to the field, and what level of play will any team get from the soon-to-be 33 year old. If he returns to just 70% of what he once was that would still be an upgrade for Washington. His presence on a one-year deal could provide some insurance for rookie Jayden Daniels and some time for Brandon Coleman to get acclimated to the NFL – and maybe even start his career at right tackle while Bakhtiari holds down the left side.
Washington has around $35 million in remaining effective cap space, so the money would not be an issue.