Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst stops rumors of David Bakhtiari reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in New York: ‘We’re not going to trade’
- Aaron Rodgers had reportedly mentioned David Bakhtiari’s name privately
- The 31-year-old defender is working on his form for the season after several injuries
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Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has shut down trade speculation surrounding veteran offensive tackle David Bakhtiari.
There were rumors that the New York Jets might reunite the longtime lineman with boyfriend Aaron Rodgers, but Gutekunst crushed the links and insisted that Bakhtiari not be traded.
“First of all, we’re not going to trade David,” said Gutekunst Packers reporter Ryan Wood. “So let’s get that out of the way, because I know it’s been talked about a bit, and it’s not going to happen.”
Speculation that the Jets would try to reunite Bakhtiari and Rodgers began after a report from Outkick stated that the quarterback had privately mentioned the triple Pro Bowl tackle as a possible addition to Gang Green.
But despite the rumor looming, Rodgers told reporters earlier this week that he’s “pretty little” concerned about his o-line right now.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has shut down trade speculation surrounding OT David Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari prepares for his 11th season in Green Bay as trade rumors circulate
A recent report suggested that Jets QB Aaron Rodgers called a reunion with the OT
Bakhtiari also doesn’t take up much space in the Packers books after the team converted $5.5 million of his salary and his $9.5 million roster bonus into a combined $15 million signing bonus on March 10.
Green Bay also feels the 31-year-old tackle can still play at the All-Pro level he showed before suffering a torn cruciate ligament in 2020 that led to a string of four surgeries.
Over the 10 seasons Bakhtiari has spent at Green Bay – all of which saw Rodgers as his quarterback – he was named a Pro Bowler in 2016 and 2020, while also being named an All-Pro in 2018 and 2020.
“I think Dave is a pro,” Gutekunst said. “What he went through was tough – it was tough for our football team, it was tough for him – and I think he’s really in a good place now to understand what he needs to do to get ready to play.”
Bakhtiari was kept on a light practice schedule during training camp and was held against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Green Bay preseason opener.
He is also expected to be one of the few key players on the Packers offense to also sit out the upcoming game against the Patriots.
“It’s just us controlling the knee and all that stuff and getting him out on Sunday,” said Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. “He’s been such a good pro at keeping his body ready, keeping his mind ready.”