David Bakhtiari breaks silence on lack of movement in free agency amid rumors of interest from Aaron Rodgers' Jets
The Green Bay Packers released David Bakhtiari earlier this offseason. The 32-year-old offensive lineman has dealt with various knee injuries over the last few years and has played only 13 games in the last three seasons combined.
One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, recently questioned how Bakhtiari, one of the best left tackles in the NFL, has not yet signed with a team. In response to that query, the former Packers star said that he is awaiting the completion of his rehabilitation and hinted at the possibility of signing with a new team within the next two months:
"It’s mutual. I’m waiting to make sure there’s no question marks about the knee. We are nearing the end of my rehab so things are gonna heat up on both ends in the coming 2 months. I’m excited to remind everyone again."
Ever since the Packers released him, there have been rumors of David Bakhtiari potentially signing with the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers and Bakhtiari are close friends, and it would not be a surprise if the 32-year-old tackle joins his old quarterback in New York before the NFL season starts in September.
Should the Jets sign David Bakhtiari?
The New York Jets improved their offensive line massively over the course of the offseason. They added the likes of Tyron Smith, John Simpson, and Morgan Moses, as well as drafted Olu Fashanu with the 11th overall pick.
However, Smith and Moses are both 33 years old, and there are concerns about whether they can stay healthy for the whole season. As a result, a potential signing for David Bakhtiari makes a lot of sense for the NFC East franchise. Aaron Rodgers has the utmost trust in Bakhtiari, and that could elevate the four-time NFL MVP's game on the field.
As per Spotrac, the Jets currently have $6 million in cap space and could sign Bakhtiari on a one-year deal. But there is also a possibility that some other team with more cap space could poach away the three-time Pro Bowler by offering him a better deal.