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Former Two-Time All-Pro LT Linked to Patriots in Potential Return to NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 7:45 PM ET

Former Green Bay Packers two-time All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari took the entire 2024 NFL season away from the game. But, with 2025 on the horizon, the 11-year veteran may make his return to the field.

A to Z Sports' Packers writer Wendell Fereirra named the New England Patriots as a potential suitor for the left tackle if he decides to play in 2025.

The Packers drafted Bakhtiari in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft and spent all 11 years of his career in Green Bay, most of which protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers' blind side.

Bakhtiari has made the Pro Bowl three times and the All-Pro team twice over the course of his career. However, following his All-Pro season in 2020, Bakhtiari dealt with multiple injuries.

The former Packers' left tackle played in just 13 games from 2021 to 2023. Following the persistent injuries, the Packers cut Bakhtiari, and he has yet to find another home since.

In May of 2024, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Bakhtiari “had a positive follow-up exam with expert Dr. Brian Cole, and Cole proclaimed him on schedule for a 2024 season return.”

Despite the positive report, Bakhtiari never signed with a team in 2024, but didn't announce his retirement either. Now, with another year of recovery, the left tackle has a chance to return to the NFL.

The Patriots' offensive line was an obvious weakness in 2024, and they needed to do something to change that to protect quarterback Drake Maye heading into 2025.

This offseason, the Patriots added center Garrett Bradbury and tackle Morgan Moses, in addition to drafting tackle Will Campbell in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

New England made plenty of moves to bolster their offensive line for 2025, but the addition of Bakhtiari would bring an added veteran presence and a day-one starter to the group. It would allow the Patriots to be patient with their first-round pick and not rush him into the starting position, protecting Maye's blind slide.

Another interesting factor is that the Patriots' vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, was part of the Packers' front office when they drafted Bakhtiari back in 2013.

When healthy, Bakhtiari has the ability to be one of the best left tackles in the NFL. If he decides to return, the Patriots could be the perfect landing spot for the veteran offensive lineman.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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