Everything is currently up in the air for the Green Bay Packers and franchise left tackle David Bakhtiari. With the NFL’s free agency period about to begin, Packers fans will soon know whether or not they will have their 32-year-old left tackle protecting Jordan Love’s blind side.

If Green Bay is ready to win right now, it might be in the best interest of GM Brian Gutekunst to bring back Bakhtiari. Remember, the All-Pro offensive lineman has been in Green Bay for the last 11 years and still has another year remaining on his current deal. But, it’s more than that. It’s time to dive deeper into why the Packers need to keep David Bakhtiari a Packer.

Experience

It’s very hard to find an elite offensive tackle in the NFL at 32 years of age. Despite Bakhtiari’s injury concerns, he has been playing elite football for a long, long time. The former Colorado Buffalo is a five-time All-Pro and has been a key member of many great Green Bay offensive lines with Aaron Rodgers under center. He has played in so many important games over the years and been a member of many division championship teams. Other than Trent Williams and perhaps Lane Johnson, there isn’t a better offensive tackle in the league when healthy. Keep in mind too that Bakhtiari has started each of the 131 career games that he has played in.

Relationships with Offensive Staff and Players

If Bakhtiari was brought back in 2024, keep in mind it would he his sixth season playing for Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur. In addition, it would be his sixth season playing under former offensive line coach and current offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. Familiarity and relationships matter in the NFL, especially when discussing bringing back an 11-year veteran.

In terms of his teammates, David Bakhtiari has been with fellow offensive peers such as running back Aaron Jones, guard Elgton Jenkins, and signal-caller Jordan Love for a while now. Again, familiarity matters. Familiarity leads to comfortability for others when they know who the player is and what they bring to the table. Matt LaFleur feels more comfortable calling plays and Jordan Love feels more comfortable throwing the football. If healthy next September, the Packers would be wise to bring back No. 69.