David Bakhtiari – The Packers’ All-Pro LT – Praises Vikings Ahead of Free Agency
K. Joudry
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David Bakhtiari (when healthy) is one of the game’s foremost players. Not just offensive linemen, but players as a whole. He has a history of elite play, making him an invaluable part of Green Bay’s offense, much to the chagrin of Vikings fans far and wide.
Given the LT’s longstanding success in Wisconsin, it was somewhat surprising to see him defend Minnesota on social media. After all, the man has made his fortune protecting Aaron Rodgers, not the Purple & Gold.
The recent NFLPA survey listed Minnesota as having the most player satisfaction. Factors like food, facilities, training staff, and treatment of family (among other categories) were considered. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell must have been very pleased to see Minnesota up top.
After someone mockingly suggested that the Vikings would hang a banner for snagging top spot, David Bakhtiari fired back: “Hey. Testament to them. I don’t think most people know how much all this data means to the players. Quality of life is priceless.”
Not too long after, Dan Orlovsky – who used to play in the NFL – echoed the LT’s message:
It’s easy to forget, but football is a professional environment for the players. Fans see the sport as a pastime and hobby; the players see it as a job. To be sure, many of the players have a deep passion for the sport and derive a lot of enjoyment from playing it, but that doesn’t change the fundamental truth: football is a business (as we’ll hear 1,000 times before free agency dwindles to its conclusion).
Minnesota can enter the free agency period with a bit of extra ammo. For the most part, players are going to head to the team that offers the best contract. Quality of life, though, could be a deciding factor when contracts are close. Green Bay’s veteran LT understands that the factors off the field are very, very important.
Originally a 4th-round selection in 2013, Bakhtiari has had a marvellous career. From 2016 to 2020, the left tackle was either a 1st- or 2nd-team All Pro every year. He made the Pro Bowl in 3 of those seasons. At his best, he finished as a top 10 offensive tackle on PFF (4 separate times). Unfortunately, he missed nearly all of 2021, but he did come back for 11 games in 2022.
Meanwhile, Minnesota seems to have taken over as the team setting the gold standard for left tackle play in the NFC North. Christian Darrisaw has quickly become one of the league’s elite young players. Unless something unforeseen happens, Darrisaw will be an offensive cornerstone for several years.
Free agency is going to begin on Monday, March 13 when teams around the NFL can start making verbal commitments. On Wednesday of the same week, teams and players can officially put pen to paper. The Vikings will be interested in many of this year’s top free agents.
Hopefully, the positive results from the player survey will make just a bit more of a difference when negotiating with this year’s top talent.
