Former Packers tackle David Bakhtiari loses potential dream landing spot

David Bakhtiari's incredible career with the Green Bay Packers came to an end this week, with the team releasing him after 11 seasons.

Bakhtiari hasn't played since the Packers' Week 1 win over the Chicago Bears, but his performance in that game reminded everyone that he is still an All-Pro left tackle. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bakhtiari isn't retiring and intends to play this season.

The question is where Bakhtiari will play.

The most obvious landing spot was the New York Jets, where he would reunite with Aaron Rodgers. New York desperately needed offensive line help entering the offseason, including at left tackle.

However, that no longer seems realistic.

Former Packers tackle David Bakhtiari likely won't reunite with Aaron Rodgers in 2024

Unless Bakhtiari is willing to take a backup job, any dreams of reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in New York are over. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the New York Jets are signing All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith.

In a matter of days, the Jets have addressed both tackle spots. Earlier this week, New York traded for right tackle Morgan Moses. GM Joe Douglas signed two veterans to fill the tackle positions as the team aims to go all-in for a championship with Aaron Rodgers.

It likely rules out a Bakhtiari-Rodgers reunion. If Bakhtiari can stay healthy, he deserves to start. Any team in need of better pass protection would benefit from signing the five-time All-Pro.

And it sounds like Bakhtiari wants to play.

Former Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert wrote: "David Bakhtiari has received good news about the status of his knee following his most recent surgery to repair a lingering issue from the original procedure, per source."

Benkert and Bakhtiari were teammates in Green Bay.

However, the future Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer may be protecting a quarterback not named Aaron Rodgers in 2024.

More Packers news and analysis