Key Takeaways:
– The Washington Commanders are advised to sign free-agent and former Green Bay Packers star David Bakhtiari.
– According to Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report, the left tackle issue demands immediate attention due to the presence of a rookie quarterback.
– Bakhtiari is an 11-year NFL veteran and the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
– Despite having knee issues in recent years, Bakhtiari may return to peak form in 2024.
Washington Commanders, an NFL favourite, have a pressing issue surfacing that could affect their next season. Their most controversial point for the coming 2024 season is the unresolved matter of the left tackle. According to experts, it’s the critical position that needs to secure the blind side of their star rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
Notably, the Commanders’ current options are veterans Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott. The third choice is a third-round pick rookie, Brandon Coleman. An additional possibility comes from Sam Cosmi, who had an illustrious NFL career as a guard.
Former Packers Star Tackles New Challenge
However, this roster appears unsatisfactory for many. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggests the Commanders should bring free agent and former Green Bay Packers icon, David Bakhtiari, on board. A five-time NFL All-Pro player, Bakhtiari’s experience presents a winning argument.
Ballentine explained the significance of the tackle position, saying that it has always been, and will always be, paramount. Especially with a rookie quarterback, the urgency to rectify this issue is more than ever. This case becomes even more pertinent with Daniels’ pocket-management concerns in focus.
Bakhtiari, an 11-year NFL veteran, has earned a reputation after starting every game he has ever played. He made history when signed a 4-year, $105.5 million contract extension with the Packers back in March 2020, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Bakhtiari’s career earnings have exceeded a whopping $126.8 million by 2023.
Health Concerns Regarding Bakhtiari
However, despite his phenomenal track record, Bakhtiari has struggled with knee issues lately. After a brilliant five-season streak, he suffered an ACL tear during practice in December 2020. This injury limited his play to a single game in 2021. Furthermore, another knee problem in 2023 sidelined him for almost all the season’s games. Consequently, he managed only 13 games in the past three seasons.
This scarcity of appearances raises the question of whether Bakhtiari can rebound. According to a May 2024 report by Ian Rapoport, Bakhtiari might return stronger in 2024, having had a positive health examination. Rapoport revealed that Bakhtiari is on track to regain full fitness for the 2024 season, according to his doctor Dr. Brian Cole, a renowned orthopaedic chair.
The Existing Choices Fall Short
When considering the existing men for the position, none inspire great confidence. Lucas, now in his 11th season, has had most of his career starts with the Commanders since 2020, including a high of 12 in 2022. Scott, from four different teams, made two starts for the Commanders in 2023. Then there’s Coleman, a two-time All-Big 12 pick at TCU, selected by the Commanders in the recent 67th overall pick.
Given the above, it remains to be seen whether the Commanders heed Ballentine’s advice to invest in Bakhtiari. Should they decide to roll the dice, it could pay off with enhancing their line-up and potentially providing the Commanders a winning edge for their 2024 season.