Packers: David Bakhtiari should be top priority for contract extension

The Green Bay Packers should give David Bakhtiari a new contract as soon as possible.

One potential reason for the Packers‘ cautious approach to free agency this spring is with one eye on next year. A number of key starters have contracts expiring in 2021.

David Bakhtiari, Kenny Clark, Corey Linsley, Aaron Jones, Kevin King, and Jamaal Williams will be free agents.

Re-signing them all will be close to impossible, but extending Bakhtiari’s deal should be the priority.

Since being selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Bakhtiari has been nothing short of phenomenal at left tackle for the Packers. He plays at a premium position and is one of the best pass-protectors in the league.

According to ESPN, Bakhtiari had a 96 percent pass block win rate in 2019, the highest of any tackle in the NFL. A four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, the Packers can’t afford to lose Bakhtiari next offseason.

And if you want an even clearer idea of just how dominant Bakhtiari has been in his career, Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus summed it up perfectly:

"“His 94.0 pass-blocking grade over those seven seasons ranks second among all tackles since 2013 to only Joe Thomas, and if you look at just the past five seasons, Bakhtiari sits alone in first by a comfortable margin.”"

Left tackle is one of the most important positions on the roster and Bakhtiari has everything a team would want at the position. He is an elite pass protector, consistent and just as important, he’s durable. Bakhtiari has only missed six games in seven seasons with the Packers. He’s started all 16 games in five seasons, including the past two.

A year from now, Bakhtiari will still only be 29 years old and in the prime of his career.

GM Brian Gutekunst has spoken about his hope to work out a long-term deal with Kenny Clark. Also, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported after the NFL Combine that the Packers were scheduled to meet with Aaron Jones’ agent, potentially about a new deal.

Working out new contracts with both Clark and Jones will be important, but at the top of the list should be extending Bakhtiari’s deal.