Packers: Next top priority should be to extend David Bakhtiari’s contract

After working out a long-term deal with Kenny Clark, the Packers’ next move should be to give David Bakhtiari a contract extension.

It was a huge relief when the news broke that the Green Bay Packers and Kenny Clark had agreed on a contract extension.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Clark becomes the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history, and he deserves every penny. It’s a deal the Packers needed to get done as they couldn’t afford to lose such an important player on defense who is still only 24 years old.

Clark would’ve become a free agent next spring. Another key player with an expiring contract is left tackle David Bakhtiari.

Bakhtiari has been such an important part of this team since being drafted in 2013. So dominant, in fact, that he’s on track for the Hall of Fame one day.

Finding consistency at the tackle position isn’t easy. With Bakhtiari, the Packers have more than that. They’ve got a dominant pass-protector who is a four-time All-Pro.

There is one challenge, with the salary cap possibly being reduced next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But like they did with extending Clark’s contract, the Packers need to find a way to get a long-term deal done with Bakhtiari.

With Aaron Rodgers still playing, Green Bay is in win-now mode (although its first-round pick might suggest otherwise). Keeping Rodgers protected is priority number one. If Bakhtiari walks, the Packers would’ve lost two starting tackles in two years. Bakhtiari will be just 29 years old and he’d have no trouble finding another team willing to pay him.

The Packers will lose key players next spring. There’s no way they can pay Clark and Bakhtiari, then also Aaron Jones, Kevin King, and Corey Linsley. It’s close to impossible. But getting a couple of them re-signed should be the aim. Of the upcoming free agents, Bakhtiari is the best player and plays at a key position.

Re-signing Clark was a priority. Bakhtiari should be too.