5 Free Agent Targets to Prepare the Patriots for a Rookie Quarterback
By Ryan Bunton
3. David Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari wasn't expected to hit the free agent this offseason, but the 32-year-old was released by the Green Bay Packers on Monday after 11 seasons with the team. Bakhtiari has been one of the league's best left tackles over the last decade, which has earned him two first-team All-Pro and three second-team All-Pro nods, as well as three Pro Bowl selections.
Despite his track record, Bakhtiari has missed 38 games over the last three seasons due to injuries, and last received one of his league-wide recognitions in 2020.
As Mark Daniels of MassLive pointed out, head Patriots player personnel executive Eliot Wolf was Green Bay's director of pro personnel when they selected Bakhtiari in 2013.
Lots of Patriots connections with David Bakhtiari. Eliot Wolf was the Packers Director of pro personnel when they drafted Bakhtiari https://t.co/ZMkfG5Jd2B
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 11, 2024
As a 11-year NFL vet, Bakhtiari would be a valuable veteran presence to have in the huddle working with a young quarterback. The durability concerns over the last three years are an undeniable red flag, and he hasn't played since Week 1 of last season.
Bringing in Bakhtiari would have to be at the right price, but it could ultimately be a low-risk, high-reward type of signing. The Patriots would also essentially be able to get a two-for-one deal by surrounding the rookie signal caller with a seasoned veteran and doing so at an all-so-important position.