Given the financial constraints and Bakhtiari’s injury history, it’s speculated that the Packers might opt to trade or release him, potentially freeing up around $21 million in cap space. This move would allow the team to allocate those resources elsewhere to strengthen the roster.

There’s also speculation about Bakhtiari potentially reuniting with Aaron Rodgers, possibly with the New York Jets, who could benefit from bolstering their offensive line. While Bakhtiari may still possess elite skills when healthy, the Packers seem inclined to prioritize financial flexibility and roster improvement over sentimentality.

With promising options like Rasheed Walker and Yosh Nijman demonstrating their capabilities, the Packers might be confident in their ability to move forward without Bakhtiari. Ultimately, the decision to part ways with a fan favorite like Bakhtiari underscores the pragmatic approach teams often take in managing their rosters and salary cap.