General manager Brian Gutekunst did his best to assure fans on Friday that career-long Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari isn't being shopped this summer.
#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said today that they aren't going to trade LT David Bakhtiari, despite recent speculation.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2023
“We’re not going to trade David, so let’s get that out of the way. It's not going to happen." pic.twitter.com/p0NRaHICgY
It was reported earlier this week that the New York Jets had "discussed in passing" the idea of trading for the 31-year-old.
While Gang Green's offense is loaded with playmaking weapons like wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running backs Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook, their line protecting four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers has drawn criticism through training camp.
While it now seems there's almost no chance that Bakhtiari joins New York after Gutekunst's comments, it would be far from the first time a Packers player (or former member of the squad) joined the Jets this offseason.
In addition to Rodgers, third-string signal-caller Tim Boyle; wideouts Allen Lazard, Malik Taylor and Randall Cobb; and offensive tackle Billy Turner all previously called Lambeau Field their home turf. That doesn't even include the defensive players or coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett — who held the same role with Green Bay from 2019-2021 — notably joined the AFC East team in January.
Since being selected by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Bakhtiari has made three Pro Bowls and been named First-Team All-Pro twice (most recently following the 2020 campaign). After suffering a torn ACL on New Year's Eve 2020, however, the University of Colorado product was limited to one game in 2021 and suited up for 11 contests in 2022.
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