Talks with five-time All-Pro free agent target Cowboys should pursue could 'heat up on both ends' soon
If you fire up any list of remaining NFL free agents after the thick of the 2024 offseason, one name is likely to stick out: Former Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari. In a league where everyone needs better offensive linemen be it for their starting lineup or for depth, including the Dallas Cowboys (more […]
If you fire up any list of remaining NFL free agents after the thick of the 2024 offseason, one name is likely to stick out: Former Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari.
In a league where everyone needs better offensive linemen be it for their starting lineup or for depth, including the Dallas Cowboys (more on that later), it's surprising that he remains available.
The five-time All-Pro tackle took to social media to explain his availability this late in the year when a fan account posted about how confusing it was to see him unsigned.
"It’s mutual," Bakhtiari wrote on Twitter/X. "I’m waiting to make sure there’s no question marks about the knee. We are nearing the end of my rehab so things are gonna heat up on both ends in the coming two months. I’m excited to remind everyone again."
That goes a long way in explaining the lack of reports surrounding him. It's not uncommon for players dealing with serious injuries to be overly cautious to have better leverage when negotiating future deal. Former Dallas Cowboys guard/center Connor Williams is doing the same after a season-ending injury with the Miami Dolphins last year.
Cowboys should target David Bakhtiari when he's open for business
Even though Bakhtiari says talks could heat up between he and NFL teams, we don't know which teams he'll be talking with (we did list five potential landing spots for him back in April) but one thing is clear: The Cowboys should be interested in being among the teams to talk with him.
It's true that Bakhtiari's injury history is a legit concern: He's had to go through long rehab processes and has played only 13 games in the last three seasons, including one game in 2023.
Per the Packers website, the latest procedure Bakhtiari had was done with "hopes this latest surgery, intended to correct a cartilage issue, will enable him to make a full return in 2024 and end the emotional rollercoaster Bakhtiari has been on since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on Dec. 31, 2020."
That being said, it's the kind of risk the Cowboys don't normally shy away from. The front office is known for making low-risk, high-reward gambles on players at a discount, including for injury-related reasons.
And it makes sense: The Cowboys' current projected left tackle is Tyler Guyton, a prospect considered extremely raw in technique and that could struggle early on in the NFL.
"(Guyton as a rookie will be) maybe a step above a replacement level starter," film analyst James Foster said when asked what his Year 1 expectations are for Guyton earlier in the year. "Maybe a step above what Terence Steele was in pass pro last year, I think rookie tackles always struggle (…) There are going to be some growing pains."
If Guyton struggles more than expected in training camp and isn't ready to go by September, Bakhtiari could be a great Plan B for Dallas and one that would give them quality play if healthy. Or what if Guyton has rough moments against Myles Garrett and others around the league?
It might be smart to have an insurance policy in case the Cowboys feel it's best for Guyton's development. In the meantime though, Bakhtiari continues with his rehab. Once he's done, the Cowboys should be giving him a call.
