The last day of 2020 was unforgettable for David Bakhtiari and Green Bay Packers fans. The team and the left tackle were playing at the highest level in the NFL and preparing for a potential Super Bowl run when, hours before the start of 2021, the player tore his ACL during practice.

His career would never be the same. Multiple follow-up issues emerged, the Packers lost at least two playoff chances in part because of the offensive line problems, and Bakhtiari was released last year.

After a full season without signing with any teams, Bakhtiari's situation is still a mystery. There have been no significant updates since May 2024, when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared that Bakhtiari “had a positive follow-up exam with expert Dr. Brian Cole, and Cole proclaimed him on schedule for a 2024 season return.” The tackle did not return, though, and did not announce his retirement either. It looks like all the doors are still open.

If Bakhtiari decides (and is able) to return to the football field, there would be interested teams — especially because when he was available, the offensive lineman was still very good even after his knee injuries.

5. Houston Texans

The Texans went in free agency and signed Cam Robinson after trading Laremy Tunsil. While it's important to have a viable starting left tackle after the team had so many issues last year, Robinson is also a limited player — and the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line significantly regressed when they had to trade for him after Christian Darrisaw got hurt. Bakhtiari would be a major upgrade in terms of ceiling, and Robinson could move to right tackle if needed. The big problem is that Bakhtiari doesn't like to play on turf.

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4. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars seem comfortable with Walker Little at left tackle, and that's why they traded Cam Robinson away. However, he's a good, not great player as well. Little has NFL experience playing right tackle and left guard too, which is helpful to have flexibility with Bakhtiari on the roster — and security if he gets hurt again. Making sure that Trevor Lawrence has the best chance to succeed is a top priority for the new leadership structure with general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen.

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3. New England Patriots

Nothing is more important for the Patriots than making sure Drake Maye will stay alive. Seriously, last year's offensive line was a complete disaster. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf was in the front office when the Packers drafted Bakhtiari 11 years ago, so there's an obvious connection. New England drafted Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick, but a high-level veteran presence there would allow the Patriots to develop Campbell more slowly, or maybe even give him the chance to play guard while he fully learns how the NFL world is.

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2. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins don't have money to spend, and right now second-year second-rounder Patrick Paul is slated to start at left tackle after Terron Armstead retired. As a rookie, Paul had some tough performances playing both at left and right tackle on a part-time basis, so it would be smart to make a low-priced veteran addition with a high potential. If it doesn't pan out, the Dolphins will not be worse than they are now.

Moreover, Mike McDaniel runs a system that has similarities with what Matt LaFleur does in Green Bay, and the familiarity would help the transition.

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1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Everyone knows how close Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari are, so it's natural to put the Steelers here — especially considering there's a real need at the position in Pittsburgh. Right now, the projected starting left tackle is Broderick Jones, who had an average at best season at right tackle in 2024 and is moving to the left side. Former first-rounder Troy Fautanu, who barely played as a rookie, gets in as a right tackle. Bakhtiari could give the entire offensive line some time to develop and adapt. If the veteran could play as long as Rodgers, that would be a solid outcome for everyone involved.

Retroactively naming the past 10 winners of the NFL’s new Protector of the Year award for offensive linemen

A ton of great candidates to choose from.