Packers’ LT David Bakhtiari Signs 4-Year Extension

By Adam Roberts – 11/16/2020

This past weekend featured a couple of wins for the Packers organization. There was of course the win ON the field, an at times ugly win but a win nonetheless, over the now 1-8 Jaguars 24-20. However, OFF the field, the Packers secured the services of one of the best pass blocking tackles in the NFL.

Left tackle David Bakhtiari, hours before playing for the first time in three weeks, signed a four-year contract extension late on Saturday. The deal was first reported by ProFootballTalk Sunday afternoon during the Jags game, with the value of the deal at its base 23 million dollars per year with the potential to reach 23.5 million pending incentives. At 105.5 million in new money, Bakhtiari is now the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Bakhtiari attributed the dollars in the deal to the workings of his agent.

“I told him I was gonna ask this question before I would ever sign…he needs to confidently say that this contract is deserving for the highest-paid offensive lineman” Bakhtiari said after the win. “He told me ‘Yes, it is.” and I said ‘Okay! Let’s get this done.'”

The deal assures quarterback Aaron Rodgers that his blind side will be covered by the All-Pro until at least 2024, and is the second big deal GM Brian Gutekunst has secured this year after his 70-million dollar, four-year extension with defenisve tackle Kenny Clark back in August.

“From our side of things, what he brings to the table not only as a player but as a leader in our locker room, we felt it was important” Gutey said after the signing. “I think [David] really wanted to be here, I think this place is important to him. Usually in that case a deal can get done.”

Gutekunst still has to figure out what he is going to do with both running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, center Core Linsley, and corner Kevin King, who was out again this week.