Breaking: Commanders Are Closing In On Deal To Sign $92 Million All-Pro “Skilled” LT

The Washington Commanders’ roster lacks a left tackle, which All-Pro David Bakhtiari may help fill. Assuming the veteran is deemed completely healthy.

According to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire, Bakhtiari could be a good fit due to recent encouraging injury news. He pointed out that “Washington has plenty of cap space remaining to take a chance on Bakhtiari for the upcoming season.”

Bakhtiari, an ex-Green Bay Packers starter, is 32 years old, adding a chance element to this signing. He additionally “played only one game last season and has played in just 13 games over the past three seasons as he has undergone two knee surgeries.”

That’s a concerning recent injury record, yet there is hope for Bakhtiari. On Tuesday, May 21, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the athlete “had a positive follow-up exam with expert Dr. Brian Cole, and Cole proclaimed him on schedule for a 2024 season return.”

Manning, who cited Rapoport’s piece, highlighted why Bakhtiari’s low market value and good track record could pique teams’ interest: “Bakhtiari will not be expensive, as no team will spend a lot of money on him. This suggests he could be a good buy-low prospect if team doctors approve him for 2024. Bakhtiari, a two-time first-team All-Pro and three-time second-team All-Pro, could at least be invited to a workout.

David Bakhtiari Would Be a Useful Stop-Gap

At this point in his career, Bakhtiari may only serve as a stopgap. However, few stop-gaps are as accomplished as an 11-year veteran who has made the Pro Bowl three times.

Bakhtiari’s experience as Aaron Rodgers’ blindside protector will help him keep pressure off Jayden Daniels. The Commanders have put the franchise’s future in the hands of the second pick in the 2024 NFL draft, so keeping him clean in the pocket must be a top concern.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bakhtiari continued to thrive in pass protection in Week 1 of the 2023 season.

The Commanders need a pass-protector as skilled as this to protect their investment in Daniels. Given the importance of the latter, it’s a surprise Washington has still allowed left tackle to be shrouded in so much uncertainty.

Commanders Still Need LT Help

After releasing former starter Charles Leno Jr., general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have not made any effort to replace him. Despite the availability of talented free agents, including a two-time Super Bowl winner, the team has stayed idle.

Instead, the Commanders appear to trust third-round pick Brandon Coleman at the second-most vital offensive position. According to Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report, the former TCU standout is not the most experienced tackle, having only made 12 starts as a guard.

Coleman demonstrated credible pass protection regardless of position, according to PFF Commanders.

What the Commanders are lacking is a proven commodity on the blindside. Perhaps Andrew Wylie, a free-agent bust at right tackle last season, switches over to the left.