Here’s how the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are among the favorites to sign David Bakhtiari, the best remaining left tackle.
This summer, the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers may look to sign David Bakhtiari, the finest remaining left tackle. According to one source, the bargain-free agent may soon find a new home with the Super Bowl contenders. Bakhtiari is growing older, therefore it’s probably best to put him in a blockbuster offense where he can rediscover himself and win a championship. Following the decision not to extend Donovan Smith, the Chiefs have some questions about their offensive line.
He may be on the market, but Bakhtiari may be the best option because they don’t know what he can offer to protect Patrick Mahomes. However, he has a good track record of injuries, having had a ruptured ACL in 2020 after a late return in week 18. He has been dealing with ailments since playing just one week against the Chicago Bears last season. Bakhtiari did not play the rest of the year, but he is now fully healthy for the 2017 season and hopes to play a few more seasons before retiring.
As long as he doesn’t acquire another injury, there should be no reason why he can’t participate again. He was one of the best left tackles in the league over the past decade, with Tyron Smith. The Packers do not want to bring him back because they appear to have a lock at the position after Rasheed Walker has performed well. Jim Harbaugh wants to develop this system around Justin Herbert’s powerful running game, so the Chargers should be a good fit.
This cannot happen without a solid offensive line, thus they must strengthen the complete protection to add one more veteran to Joe Alt’s roster. Here are some more possible destinations for Bakhtiari.
Chiefs, Chargers May Target Best Remaining Left Tackle David Bakhtiari
Other Potential Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have at least been looking into adding a supporting offensive line for Derek Carr. They might as well keep strengthening that line because the Saints don’t have many choices at wide out. Chris Olave is the team’s sole promising weapon, but bringing in an experienced veteran like Bakhtari gives Carr some breathing room. He isn’t a god because of his history of injuries, but he is a flier when healthy. Dennis Allen might explore running this offense behind a solid running game with Alvin Kamara, like Jim Harbaugh is doing.
It’s the least the Saints could do given that they can’t trade for a big-name receiver like Brandon Aiyuk or Courtland Sutton to help level the group.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have lost a large number of veterans this summer, including Smith and Tyler Biadasz. However, they were able to bring in Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe to help develop some local talent behind Dak Prescott. It should be safe to build around a veteran with three more years of experience who still has plenty to prove in today’s league. Bakhtiari joining Dallas would make a lot of sense, especially given the salary he may desire, which wouldn’t cost the Cowboys a fortune.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are a dark horse to add another lineman to their offensive line. It’s not the most pressing necessity because Ronnie Stanley is the starter, but rotating him around makes sense if they want to give him some rest. Nothing should be the end of the world if it means getting another strong veteran to defend Lamar Jackson.
