Packers: David Bakhtiari contract extension is huge for offense

The Packers have worked out a contract extension with David Bakhtiari.

The Green Bay Packers‘ performance wasn’t particularly exciting, but the news that broke during the game certainly was.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers and star left tackle David Bakhtiari have agreed on a four-year extension worth $105.5 million. Rapoport added that Bakhtiari will receive a $30 million signing bonus, more than any other offensive lineman ever. It’s a four-year extension.

Bakhtiari deserves this new deal and the Packers made the right call to get this done. This was priority number one between now and next offseason. The team has a number of important free agents next year. Top of the list was Bakhtiari.

Green Bay has already worked out a contract extension for star defensive tackle Kenny Clark, and now a deal with Bakhtiari is done.

Bakhtiari is one of the best tackles in football, and he’s on course for a Hall-of-Fame career. A four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, the Packers couldn’t afford to let Bakhtiari leave in the offseason. And now he’ll be under contract for four more years.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bakhtiari’s pass-block grade is the best of all offensive linemen since 2018.

Green Bay’s offensive line has been the best in the NFL this season despite having so many injuries. Great depth has helped.

Even if the team loses center Corey Linsley in free agency, the starting five should be strong again next season. With Bakhtiari at left tackle, Elgton Jenkins at left guard, and Billy Turner at right tackle, the line is in good shape long-term.

Time will tell whether the Packers will be able to re-sign star running back Aaron Jones before free agency begins in the spring. If they do work out a new deal for Jones, it won’t be easy to re-sign Linsley or cornerback Kevin King.

But that’s a conversation for another day. For now, congratulations to David Bakhtiari.