Packers are still deciding if David Bakhtiari will stay in Green Bay.
Packers tackle David Bakhtiari became the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL when he signed a contract in November 2020. He had a major knee injury a month later, and he hasn’t been able to recover well ever then.
Although Bakhtiari’s cut this summer seems certain, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst says the team still needs to decide what to do with him.
“We’re just starting to look at how we’re going to go forward with all that,” Gutekunst remarked. David has undoubtedly had a difficult time lately with his injuries. He is attempting to recover from a very serious surgery so that he can resume playing. We’re keeping an eye on that. I am aware of how hard he is working. We will make such decisions once we’ve traveled a distance and assessed his current state of health.
The Packers can save more than half of the over $40 million cap number for the 32-year-old Bakhtiari this season if they choose to cut him, which seems to be the most likely course of action.
GM of the Packers Gutekunst indicates interest in reaching a long-term agreement with Jordan Love./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72729528/1288730479.0.jpg)
On Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, California, during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) rolls out of the pocket. (Photo by Ashley Landis/AP)
On Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, California, quarterback Jordan Love (10) of the Green Bay Packers rolls out during the first half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/AP)
FILE: Brian Gutekunst, general manager of the Green Bay Packers, is seen on the field prior to an NFL football game on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gutekunst and the Packers are eager to work out a long-term extension with Jordan Love because of his ability to lead the NFL’s youngest team to the divisional playoffs in his first season as a starter. (AP Image/File: Jeffrey Phelps)
(AP) — GREEN BAY, WI In his first season as a starter, Jordan Love led the NFL’s youngest team to the divisional playoffs, and the Green Bay Packers are ready to negotiate a long-term deal with him.
Following the Packers’ transfer of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP, to the New York Jets, Love reached an agreement to sign a one-year extension that extended his contract until 2024. In May, Love is eligible for one more extension.
During his final press conference of the season, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated, “I think we will go down that road.” “Undoubtedly, I believe that having some consistency there will be vital for our football squad. Sometime in the next few months, we will begin working toward that since Jordan and his representation are excellent individuals.
Additionally, Gutekunst s
help, he expects running back Aaron Jones, 29, to return for the upcoming campaign. In order to stay with the Packers, Jones agreed to a wage reduction for the 2023 season and renegotiated his contract a year prior.
