The New England Patriots needed some help at tackle on the offensive line. That much was clear after the third and final preseason game. 

And it was no secret that they were going to look towards the waiver wire to try and add some additional help. But there are also some free agents available. 

However, one of those free agents is a player that the Patriots should be staying away from. 

David Bakhtiari is a good tackle, but the issue is injury. He just can't stay healthy and that's a risk the Patriots don't need to take right now. 

Since the injury on December 31st, 2020, Bakhtiari played only 13 games — 11 of them in 2022. He played only half a game in 2021, the last regular season one against the Detroit Lions, and just one game in 2023 — Week 1, against the Chicago Bears.

Back in May, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Bakhtiari had a positive follow-up exam after his knee surgeries, and it was said that he was on schedule to return at some point during the 2024 season. 

But it's clear since 2020 he hasn't been able to stay healthy. And the Patriots need an immediate fix rather than one who could come in at the middle of the season. 

Here's more information on David Bakhtiari (via Wendell Ferreira)

Histoy in Green Bay

David Bakhtiari was drafted by former general manager Ted Thompson in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He turned out to be one of the Packers' best picks in recent history.

He started at left tackle from day 1 after Bryan Bulaga suffered a torn ACL injury on Family Night. Bakhtiari played so well right away that Bulaga was moved to right tackle when recovered. The left tackle played 8,433 offensive snaps and 447 special teams snaps.

During his career in Green Bay, David Bakhtiari made the First-Team All-Pro twice (2018, 2020), the Second-Team All-Pro three times (2016, 2017, 2019), and the Pro Bowl three times (2016, 2019, 2020). In the last part of the 2010s, he was widely considered one of the best pass-blocking left tackles in the league.

What Bakhtiari can do

Now, there's a question about how healthy Bakhtiari is and if he will be able to play again. If he doesn't pass a physical, the player can qualify for an injury protection of $1.23 million, which would also count against the Packers cap.

The worst scenario for the Packers is if Bakhtiari files an injury grievance up to his total projected salary ($21.4 million).

If he does, Green Bay would immediately have to handle a cap hit of 40% of that amount ($8.6 million). When the grievance is decided, the Packers could have an extra hit or money credited back in the future.

If Bakhtiari plays, though, that helps the Packers to avoid future implications.