Packers fans are calling for David Bakhtiari reunion during Week 3 game vs. Titans
Malik Willis and the Green Bay Packers offense have had their way against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, but penalties have been a problem yet again for Matt LaFleur's team.
Left tackle Rasheed Walker has had an up-and-down start to the season, but his penalties continue to hurt the offense. Entering Week 3, Walker had been called for three holding penalties. He has already added two more penalties against the Titans—one for holding and another for illegal use of hands to the face.
Per PFF, Walker has allowed one sack, four hurries, and five pressures this season, including one hurry and one pressure against the Titans. Walker has held up well in pass protection but struggled more in the run game.
And with the penalties continuing to set the offense back, many Packers fans are calling on the team to bring back five-time All-Pro David Bakhtiari.
Packers fans want a reunion with free agent David Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari is still a free agent and is waiting for his opportunity to sign with a new team. In the offseason, he said he wanted to play with the "next Super Bowl MVP." That player could happen to wear No. 10 for the Packers.
Bakhtiari is still one of the league's best pass protectors when healthy. Following Walker's penalties against the Titans, there were many tweets like these.
Soooooo @DavidBakhtiari how’s that knee feeling? We could use a little help
— PackRatzz (@PackRatzz922) September 22, 2024
I’ve seen enough bro please come back @DavidBakhtiari
— dame (@damevercetti) September 22, 2024
I just want @DavidBakhtiari back at LT for the Pack 🥲
— Lakota Campbell (@lcamp97) September 22, 2024
While it may be an overreaction simply because of Walker's penalties, there is a world where it would make sense to bring back Bakhtiari. If he is fully healthy and open to a return, he could upgrade the offensive line. Walker is a fine starting left tackle, but Bakhtiari is a five-time All-Pro. As Bakhtiari proved in the one game he played last season, he is still an elite pass-protector, and he wasn't even 100 percent in that game.
Bakhtiari hasn't been fully healthy since suffering a significant knee injury in 2020, but it hasn't stopped him from shutting down pass rushers. In the 13 games since the injury, the All-Pro hasn't allowed a single sack or quarterback hit.
Is it going to happen? Probably not, but if the Packers consider signing a veteran tackle this season, Bakhtiari is absolutely the right choice.
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