Packers declare LT’s release. David Bakhtiari: “One of the best linemen in Packers history”
David Bakhtiari, a five-time All-Pro left tackle for the Green Bay Packers, confirmed his official release on Monday, capping an 11-year career for one of the most accomplished and decorated offensive linemen in NFL history during the past 20 years.
Two of the greatest players in the history of the team, running back Aaron Jones and quarterback Bakhtiari, were released separately by the Packers.
Similar to how they did with Jones, general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur issued statements regarding Bakhtiari’s exit.
“One of the best linemen in the history of the Packers and one of the premier tackles of his generation,” according to Gutekunst, is Bakhtiari. He was hailed by LaFleur as a “cornerstone” of the team and “one of the best offensive linemen that has played in the NFL.”
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Bakhtiari became one of the league’s top left tackles and pass protectors ever. Bakhtiari made five All-Pro teams (three first, three second) and three Pro Bowls in a five-year period from 2016 to 2020.
Pro Football Focus reports that in 5,757 pass-blocking snaps throughout the regular season and postseason with the Packers, Bakhtiari gave up 32 sacks and 234 pressures. For every 180 pass-blocking snaps, he gave up one sack.
Bakhtiari had a knee injury on December 31, 2020. After that, he struggled through three terrible seasons during which he only appeared in 13 games, the final season being one of them. Injuries to Bakhtiari’s knee need a fifth surgery in 2023.
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