David Bakhtiari is among the NFL’s best left tackles when healthy. The problem is that in the past three seasons, he has only appeared in 13 games.
Following his selection in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Bakhtiari played left tackle for the Packers for the entirety of their 16 games, replacing incumbent starter Brian Bulaga, who suffered an ACL tear during the preseason. In 2014, Bulaga made a healthy comeback; however, due to Bakhtiari’s performance, Bulaga was moved to right tackle, leaving the second-year player to cover Aaron Rodgers’ blindside.
Bakhtiari was selected to three Pro Bowls and made the All-Pro team five times in his 11 seasons in Green Bay. He was absent from 10 games in total between 2013 and 2020.
About the condition of Washington’s offensive tackles, a lot of conjecture has been expressed. Ideally suited as a swing tackle, Cornelius Lucas is penciled in at left tackle, with Andrew Wylie setting up on the right side as the turnstile. It would be an understatement to suggest that the Commanders in both posts require upgrades.
David Bakhtiari
According to a story published by Ian Rapoport just yesterday, Bakhtiari saw Dr. Brian Cole for an examination about his surgically repaired knee, and he was expected to return in 2024.
The two most important concerns in this situation are when he will be able to play again and what kind of play the soon-to-be 33-year-old will provide any team. Even if he only becomes 70% of his former self, Washington would still benefit from that. With a one-year contract, he might give rookie Jayden Daniels some insurance and give Brandon Coleman some time to adjust to the NFL. Coleman might even begin his career at right tackle while Bakhtiari covers the left side.
Washington would not have a financial problem because it still has about $35 million in effective cap space.
