Packers Plan to Sign a $68 million star to replace David Bakhtiari

The Aaron Rodgers trade from last year has given the Green Bay Packers two second-round selections in the 2024 NFL draft. Is there any chance they’ll use one of those selections to get David Bakhtiari’s left tackle replacement?

During the 2024 offseason, the Packers will have to determine if they want to move on from Bakhtiari and make a long-term switch at left tackle. The five-time All-Pro still has one season remaining on his deal, but he will have a $40 million salary hit in 2023 and is currently healing from his most recent setback involving surgery to his left knee.In the event that the Packers decide to cut ties, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report predicts that 2020 All-Pro left tackle Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos may be a suitable trade partner. He proposed that in exchange for Bolles, an accomplished veteran who can cover Jordan Love’s blindside, the Packers send their own second-round pick (number 58 overall) to the Broncos.

Ballentine stated on February 7 that “the Packers don’t usually trade picks for players, but they have five picks in the top 100 and 11 total picks in this year’s draft.” “This is the perfect opportunity to use one of those picks who could be a seasoned difference-maker.”

Among the 23 offensive tackles who played at least 1,000 total snaps, Bolles gave up just three sacks and 27 pressures in 17 games for the Broncos in 2023. He also finished with the third-highest pass-blocking grade (83.8) according to Pro Football Focus. Going from Bakhtiari to the 31-year-old Bolles, the Packers wouldn’t get much younger, but they would get someone who plays at a high level and is constantly available.