Of the Packers’ 2021 free agents, who should be the top priority to re-sign?
Decisions that Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst makes in the coming year or so will shape the short-term future of this franchise.
A number of star players are set to have their contracts expire in less than a year. To re-sign them all would be close to impossible. Bringing back one or two is more realistic, and any more could be a challenge due to the salary cap.
How should the Packers prioritize future contract extensions over the next year?
1st priority: David Bakhtiari
David Bakhtiari has to be top of the list.
Protecting Aaron Rodgers is the top priority for the Packers. Finding a franchise left tackle is no easy task but the Packers have been fortunate to have one of the best for many years. Bakhtiari is putting together a Hall-of-Fame career with four straight All-Pro selections.
According to Pro Football Focus, only future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thomas had a higher pass-blocking grade than Bakhtiari over the past decade. Bakhtiari is a generational talent and will be impossible to replace if he signs elsewhere next spring.
Bakhtiari should be set for a big contract wherever he ends up signing, but the Packers need to ensure he’s still protecting Rodgers in the 2021 season and beyond.