Exclusive; Steelers Urged to Pursue 5-Time All-Pro if He Becomes a Free Agent
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been asked to sign David Bakhtiari in the 2024 offseason. Quarterback may not be the only position the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to make a big move in the 2024 offseason.
The team could really use some improvement at tackling after struggling for position on both sides of the line in 2023. They are expected to fill one of the tackle spots this offseason, with Broderick Jones expected to fill the other spot in his second season. There appears to be hope that they will make a move for the former All-Pro left tackle.
Brogan Knowe of Steelers Nation believes the Steelers should sign David Bakhtiari if he is available this offseason. Bakhtiari is still under contract with the Green Bay Packers, but is expected to be released, saving them over $20 million in cap space. What’s left for Bakhtiari? There was no doubt about how good Bakhtiari was in his prime.
From 2016 to 2020, he was an elite left tackle who rarely took any penalties and made sure Aaron Rodgers had plenty of time to throw the ball. In each season, he was named first or second team All-Pro. Unfortunately, the three seasons following this period were difficult for Bakhtiari. He played in only one game in 2021 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered late in the 2020 season.
Bakhtiari was able to play in 11 games in 2022, and there was a noticeable difference in the team’s pass defense when he did. As the season progressed, he showed that even when healthy, he was still one of the best tacklers in the league.
Afterwards, he suffered from injuries in 2023 as well. A knee injury suffered in Week 1 required surgery and cost him the rest of the season. Now, Bakhtiari could be one of the biggest names in this year’s free agent class, but there are some question marks around him.
At 32 years old and with a serious injury, how much does he have left in the tank? Despite these big question marks, if Bakhtiari is available, he should still have suitors this offseason. The Steelers might face some competition If the Packers fire Bakhtiari, the Steelers wouldn’t be the only team interested in his services.
The obvious team that could give Bakhtiari some competition from the Steelers is the New York Jets. They have been linked to Rodgers multiple times since acquiring him and are in desperate need of a left tackle. It would be very surprising if the Jets don’t try to reunite Rodgers and Bakhtiari this offseason.
As for the tackle, the Jets are dominating the rumors, but they’re not the only team that could consider him as an option for 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs will have a left tackle opportunity this offseason. Donovan Smith is only signed to a one-year contract in 2023, and he hasn’t played well enough for the Super Bowl champions to want him back next season.
The Steelers may face competition within the division. Jedrick Wills is still under contract with the Browns for one more season, but is struggling in his fourth year in the league. Despite his struggles and constant changes at quarterback, the Browns won 11 games in 2023.
They might be willing to move Bakhtiari if they think he can help them make the playoffs. Especially since Wills could leave at the end of the season. If the Steelers are interested in Bakhtiari, they would have to make a strong offer to acquire him.
