The Green Bay Packers possess two second-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft following last year’s trade involving Aaron Rodgers. Could they potentially utilize one of these picks to acquire a replacement for left tackle David Bakhtiari?
The Packers face a decision regarding a potential long-term transition at left tackle and moving on from Bakhtiari in the upcoming 2024 offseason. Despite Bakhtiari having one season remaining on his contract, his recovery from a recent knee injury and a substantial $40 million cap hit for the 2023 season prompt deliberation.
In such a scenario, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests that the Packers might consider trading for Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles, a former All-Pro. Bolles could provide valuable experience in protecting Jordan Love’s blindside, with Ballentine highlighting the Packers’ ample draft picks as potential trade assets for acquiring a veteran difference-maker.
Bolles exhibited strong performance in pass protection for the Broncos in 2023, ranking third in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking grade among offensive tackles with significant playing time. While the move from Bakhtiari to the 31-year-old Bolles may not significantly lower the team’s age profile, it could offer reliability and high-level play.
However, the Broncos may explore trading Bolles to address salary cap concerns, offering a potential opportunity for the Packers. Nonetheless, Green Bay faces its own cap constraints, making it unlikely they would sacrifice a second-round pick for another veteran left tackle with a considerable cap hit, especially for a short-term solution.
Additionally, Bolles has just one year remaining on his contract, making any trade essentially a one-year rental. The Packers may find it more prudent to allocate resources towards drafting a new left tackle, considering they already have Rasheed Walker, who showed promise as Bakhtiari’s replacement in 2023.
With three selections in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft, including the 25th overall pick, the Packers have ample opportunity to secure a potential starter at left tackle. Whether it’s through drafting a rookie like Jordan Morgan or Troy Fautanu or relying on Day 3 finds, such as Bakhtiari himself, Walker, or Zach Tom, Green Bay aims to solidify the position and build continuity around Love for the long term.
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