Why the Saints, Panthers, and Chiefs Might Target Two-Time All-Pro This Week
With Week 1 behind us, offensive tackle David Bakhtiari remains a free agent. Once hailed as one of the premier players at his position, injuries have limited the two-time First-Team All-Pro to just 13 games in the past three seasons. While he has proven to be a reliable performer when healthy, his struggles to stay on the field ultimately led to his release. Despite not being signed throughout the offseason, the landscape could shift in Week 2 due to specific contract details.
As a vested veteran, Bakhtiari’s base salary would have become fully guaranteed if he had been on a team’s 53-man roster by Week 1. However, this rule no longer applies for the rest of the season, allowing any team to sign him with minimal financial risk. Several teams could benefit from adding a low-risk, high-reward tackle, and the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Kansas City Chiefs are the most likely candidates.
Three Teams That Could Pursue David Bakhtiari
The New Orleans Saints effectively neutralized the Carolina Panthers’ pass rush in Week 1, but this might reflect more on Carolina’s struggles than on the Saints’ strength. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning performed well, but it’s unlikely that Penning has suddenly become a league-average tackle. While he may be improving, signing David Bakhtiari as insurance would be wise in case of any regression in performance.
Derek Carr’s performance in Week 1 highlighted how effective he can be with solid protection, but his history shows he can struggle when the offensive line falters. Given that head coach Dennis Allen needs to make the playoffs to secure his position, bringing in Bakhtiari for virtually no guaranteed money could significantly improve their chances in the NFC South.
Providing Protection for Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs boast the best interior offensive line in the NFL, but their tackle situation remains problematic. Second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia started in Week 1 but finished with a dismal 48.9 PFF grade, ranking 57th out of 63 eligible players. While Suamataia has potential, expecting him to perform at a high level immediately may be unrealistic. Bakhtiari could offer starting-caliber play at a low cost while Suamataia acclimates to the league.
Moreover, even when Suamataia is ready, the Chiefs could still benefit from adding Bakhtiari. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor struggled during his first season in Kansas City, and his issues continued in Week 1. Although his contract secures his spot in 2024, the team could opt to bench him if they find a more effective alternative. At his peak, Bakhtiari was a much better player, and the Chiefs might find unexpected success by signing him.
Addressing the Issues in Carolina
The Carolina Panthers undertook a significant roster overhaul in the offseason, but the results have been underwhelming. Despite significant investments in the interior offensive line, trading for Diontae Johnson, and drafting Xavier Legette, the offense remains dysfunctional. Bryce Young’s future may be uncertain, and backup Andy Dalton is unlikely to perform better without solid blocking. After just one game, Ikem Ekwonu faced challenges against Chase Young and the Saints’ formidable front seven. If the Panthers want to protect their quarterback, signing David Bakhtiari could be a crucial move.
Source: https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2024/09/10/david-bakhtiari-free-agent-next-teams/