Key Takeaways:
– Free agent David Bakhtiari shows interest in Kansas City Chiefs for his NFL return.
– After being released by the Green Bay Packers, Bakhtiari is optimistic about his comeback post knee surgery.
– Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, may be a motivation behind Bakhtiari’s potential shift.
Examining David Bakhtiari’s Next Steps
Free agent and five-time All-Pro defensive tackle David Bakhtiari has got the Kansas City Chiefs on his radar. After an impressive NFL career, Bakhtiari is open to opportunities for the next stage in his career, expressing interest in playing alongside the next Superbowl MVP.
“I want to play with the next Super Bowl MVP. Whoever that’s going to be, I better be with them,” said Bakhtiari during a discussion with ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter in June. Coincidentally, Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs’ quarterback and reigning Super Bowl MVP for two consecutive seasons, could potentially seal the deal for Bakhtiari.
Knee Injuries and the Road to Recovery
Bakhtiari’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. After serving public relations for 11 seasons, he was released by the Green Bay Packers due to consistent and lingering knee problems which required five separate procedures. For the last three seasons, he missed a total of 37 regular matches.
Despite setbacks, the 32-year-old shows resilience and optimism about his recovery after his recent knee surgery. Having experienced constant pain, Bakhtiari believes the November surgery has put him on the right path. “I’m so happy now to be on the other side of it and get the actual surgery that I needed,” said Bakhtiari. He is determined not just to fully recover, but to prepare himself to be a franchise left tackle once again.
The veteran player estimates that he will be ready to sign with a team between the beginning of the 2024 regular season and the start of training camp. For Bakhtiari, the crucial aspect is ensuring he has cleared all medical obstacles to make his anticipated NFL return.
Is Kansas City Chiefs the Right Fit for Bakhtiari?
Determining whether Bakhtiari would be a good fit for the Chiefs largely depends on the competition between Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia. Both young tackles need to prove their ability in protecting Mahomes’ blindside to win the starting left tackle position.
Given Bakhtiari’s fluctuating health, his return to All-Pro form is yet to be tested. However, if the Chiefs decide to offer him a deal that pays on the basis of his health and performance, it could mitigate any potential risks for the team.
In conclusion, Bakhtiari’s potential move to the Chiefs sets up a potential low-risk, high-reward scenario for Kansas City. It’s a decision that the Chiefs might need to consider in the coming months. As fans and teammates alike await Bakhtiari’s next move, the road to his return to the NFL game continues to garner attention.