David Bakhtiari warns betting against Aaron Rodgers and Jets not making playoffs in 2024 - "Don't think it's very wise"
If anyone knows Aaron Rodgers better, it's his long-time friend and former Green Bay Packers teammate David Bakhtiari. The free-agent offensive tackle believes the New York Jets will make the playoffs in 2024 and has warned not to bet against Rodgers.
Bakhtiari was a guest on "The Adam Schefter Podcast" this week. The 5x All-Pro OT predicted a massive turnaround for the Jets in the 2024 NFL season with a healthy and hungry Rodgers.
"I know that his his fire is burning really hard," Bakhtiari said "I'm expecting big things from him. I'm expecting him to put a lot on his shoulders. I'm expecting him to right the ship and put the Jets... I think for sure they make the playoffs. And then after that, I mean, all you need is a ticket to the dance.
He added:
"I don't think it's very wise for any betting man to say that Aaron Rodgers is not gonna make the playoffs. I mean, if you just look at his total career, he's only missed it a few times, and most of the times he has missed, it's been from injury... That's what I expect from him."
Rodgers is recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury which he suffered in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. The four-time NFL MVP has not attended the Jets' mandatory mini-camp.
The Jets haven't made a trip to the postseason since 2010, when Mark Sanchez took snaps under center. The hype around the team last year was at an all-time high with the Rodgers trade. But the Jets finished with a dismal 7-10 record.
All eyes will be on the healthy Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, who once again enter the 2024 season with high hopes.
David Bakhtiari discusses possiblity of joining Aaron Rodgers' Jets
David Bakhtiari is currently a free agent. He was released by the Green Bay Packers in March, after 11 years with the team.
Speaking on the same podcast, Bakhtiari said he does not rule out signing with the New York Jets. But he understands the chances of reuniting with his old pal Rodgers are very slim.
"I mean I would say never say never," Bakhtiari said, "I don’t know. Aaron's already got. They drafted a first round tackle [Olu Fashanu] & they also signed Tyron [Smith] & Morgan Moses. So I don’t see where I would fit in that equation at this current point in time... I don’t want to say anything in absolutes but I don’t see it as a high probability."
Bakhtiari is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, which he suffered in October 2023. The three-time Pro Bowler has hinted at signing with an NFL team in the next two months.