Packers Icon Eyes NFL Return — Set to Suit Up with the Chiefs

Former Green Bay Packers All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari remains a free agent after his release earlier this year. Once considered a potential Hall of Fame player, Bakhtiari’s impressive career took an unexpected turn due to persistent knee injuries, limiting him to only 13 games in his final three seasons with the Packers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bakhtiari’s injury troubles began in late 2020, when he tore his ACL during a non-contact practice drill on New Year’s Eve, forcing him to miss Green Bay’s playoff run. The Packers reached the NFC Championship that season but ultimately fell to Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

Former Packer David Bakhtiari receives injury protection benefit - Acme  Packing Company
Former Packer David Bakhtiari receives injury protection benefit – Acme Packing Company

 

 

 

 

 

In 2021, Bakhtiari briefly returned for the Packers’ regular-season finale but sat out their subsequent playoff game, a divisional-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He managed to play 11 games in the 2022 season but faced more knee complications in 2023. Though he started the season strong, including a standout performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, he re-injured his knee and underwent multiple surgeries, cutting his season short and ending his time with the Packers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bakhtiari, a Colorado Buffaloes alum, has publicly stated that he is medically cleared to play, yet he remains unsigned despite many NFL teams struggling with offensive line depth. This weekend, he hinted at an interest in one particular team—his alma mater Colorado, now coached by Deion Sanders, faces Texas Tech, the college team of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Given the Chiefs’ past struggles with left tackle play, rumors have swirled about a potential pairing with Bakhtiari.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kansas City, currently the NFL’s only undefeated team, could benefit from Bakhtiari’s veteran presence as they prepare for a deep playoff push. Adding an experienced lineman like Bakhtiari might be just what the Chiefs need to solidify their offensive line for the postseason, offering both stability and skill to protect their MVP quarterback.

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