David Bakhtiari is among the greatest left tackles in soccer. Even after lacking a lot time as a consequence of damage, he proved he’s nonetheless a dominant pass-protector for the Inexperienced Bay Packers this season.
However with the Packers’ lack of cap area, Bakhtiari’s vital cap hit subsequent yr, and his current damage historical past, is there any probability Inexperienced Bay strikes on from the long run Corridor-of-Famer?
Notice: The contract numbers on this article are according to Over The Cap.
David Bakhtiari’s 2023 wage cap hit
David Bakhtiari’s wage cap hit rises to $28.85 million subsequent season. It was simply $13.78 million this previous season.
What are the Packers’ choices?
A contract restructure might assist in the brief time period, saving nearly $8 million in 2023. That’s OK, but it surely doesn’t do a lot for the larger image.
Doing so solely gives a fast repair, as it could push cash into future years.
Bakhtiari’s present cap hit for 2024 is $33.07 million, which is already excessive sufficient. Restructuring his deal might push it as excessive as $41.23 million in 2024.
So, what can the Packers do?
One possibility is so as to add void years. This is able to assist deliver down Bakhtiari’s cap hits, spreading them out over a number of years. The issue there may be that the Packers would proceed to pay useless cap hits even after the tip of Bakhtiari’s contract. However which may be the only option.
The opposite possibility is to maneuver on.
Releasing Bakhtiari earlier than June 1 would create a small cap saving of $5.7 million, leaving the Packers with a useless cap hit of $23.1 million. Whereas nonetheless a giant cap hit, the Packers would repay the contract in a single yr.
The opposite possibility can be to make it a post-June 1 launch. This is able to create $17.28 million, however the Packers can be left with a useless cap hit of $11.57 million this yr and one other $11.57 million in 2024.
Prediction
Contemplating how essential David Bakhtiari is to this crew, I believe they’ll discover a option to preserve him.
They might have to get artistic with the wage cap, maybe including void years, however they may cut back his 2023 cap hit and preserve their star left deal with on the roster.
For a participant this gifted, it’s value doing no matter it takes to maintain him.