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Green Bay Packers: Five players to re-sign in 2016 offseason

By Freddie Boston

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari (69) during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

David Bakhtiari

David Bakhtiari isn’t set to hit free agency until after the 2016 season, but the Packers need to seriously think about extending his stay this offseason. Four offensive linemen are free agents in 2017 — three of which are starters: Bakhtiari, T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton and JC Tretter are all set to hit the market.

While it’s unlikely all four will stay in Green Bay, they can give themselves the best possible shot of bringing back as many as possible by extending Bakhtiari this offseason. He is easily the most important of the four: Bakhtiari plays left tackle and is Aaron Rodgers’ premier pass protector. Just 24-years-old, he is younger than Lang (28), Sitton (29) and Tretter (25).

The Packers would be smart to add more talent to the offensive line this offseason via the draft. They don’t have to be immediate contributors, but players who can fill in if injuries strike again in 2016 and be poised to take over if either of the four players leave a year from now.

Next: Ten players Packers should target in free agency

Bakhtiari was a home run draft pick by Thompson and is deserving of a new deal. Why wait? As soon as the current group of pending free agents are dealt with, focus on extending Bakhtiari’s stay in Green Bay.

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