The New York Jets have already agreed to contracts with a defensive tackle, an offensive guard and a veteran backup quarterback during the NFL Free Agency negotiating period that opened on Monday.
While they have yet to secure a starting offensive tackle, a well-known commodity became available when the Green Bay Packers released five-time All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. The 32-year-old's relationship with Jets' quarterback Aaron Rodgers makes New York a natural landing spot for Bakhtiari.
Serving as the blindside protector, Bakhtiari and Rodgers spent 10 years together as Packers. The two men have remained friends off the field and consistently interact publicly via social media.
"A lot of emotion in this. I just want to say THANK YOU Green Bay. Thank you for the last 11 years. It’s been a hell of a run," said Bakhtiari in a Twitter post announcing his departure from Green Bay on Monday. "... For whatever happens next, I look forward to it."
Rodgers reposted Bakhtiari's message and added a heart emoji.
When healthy, Bakhtiari has been as effective as any left tackle in the NFL. The former fourth-round draft pick has totaled 131 regular season starts but has made only 13 of a possible 51 appearances over the past three seasons due to chronic knee problems that required four documented surgeries.
Played 55 snaps in the 2023 season opener, Bakhtiari suffered an injury flare-up that wound up knocking him out for the remainder of the year. Bakhtiari, who torn his left knee ACL on December 31, 2020, last played a full season in 2019. Since that Pro Bowl campaign, the injury plagued bookend has totaled only 25 starts.
With free agents Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown not expected to return, the Jets are in the market for a starting left tackle. If New York can't find what it likes through free agency, it holds the No. 10 overall selection in this year's draft.
More must-reads: