David Bakthiari has spent the last decade protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blindside, but injuries have stalled the left tackle’s career.
Multiple knee surgeries caused Bakthiari to miss the end of 2020 and nearly the entire 2021 season. He returned to play 11 games last season, but the All-Pro’s future remains murky.
Appearing on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast, Bakhtiari discussed the frustration of missing time over the last three seasons. The three-time Pro Bowler, who turns 32 at the end of September, acknowledged that his career is likely closer to the finish line.
“I’m being stripped of something that I love doing, especially the way I like doing it,” Bakhtiari said. “So you talk about my career…I might be in the teens of whatever hole I’m on on my back nine.”
Bakhtiari wants to enjoy the rest of his playing days rather than stress over his future.
“It’s almost like I’m that young naive kid again when I was drafted,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know if I’m gonna make the team, but I’m along for the ride.”
He said he’s “cool” whether he has weeks or years left to play.
Bakhtiari has two years remaining on a $92 million extension signed in late 2020. The Packers restructured his contract last month to create additional cap space, and they could save roughly $20 million by moving on next offseason.