Announcement: Chiefs set to beat Panthers to sign $61.5 million Two time All Pro to Strengthen offensive line according to reports

Week 1 is in the books, and offensive tackle David Bakhtiari is still a free agent. Once considered to be one of the very best at his position, injuries limited the two-time First-Team All-Pro to just 13 games over the past three seasons. While he remained a reliable player when on the field, his inability to stay on it ultimately led to his release. Teams didn’t want to sign him throughout the offseason, but that could change in Week 2 thanks to some lesser-known contract language.

David Bakhtiari is a vested veteran, which means his base salary would’ve become fully guaranteed had he been on a team’s 53-man roster on Week 1. However, this language does not apply for the remainder of the season, which means any team could sign David Bakhtiari as a free agent with basically no financial risk. Several teams across the league could use a low-risk, high-reward tackle, and the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Kansas City Chiefs make the most sense.

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly on the verge of beating the Carolina Panthers to sign two-time All-Pro offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, according to multiple reports. This potential signing would mark a significant move for the Chiefs, as they look to solidify their offensive line ahead of another deep playoff run. Bakhtiari, one of the NFL’s premier left tackles when healthy, would bring a wealth of experience and skill to protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

 

Mahomes Insurance

The Chiefs have the best interior offensive line in football, but their tackle situation remains a bit of a mess. Second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia earned the Week 1 start but finished his NFL debut with a 48.9 PFF grade, the 57th-best mark out of 63 eligible players. Suamataia may have a bright future in this league, but asking him to start right out of the gate might be asking too much. David Bakhtiari can provide starting-caliber play at a small cost while Suamataia adjusts to NFL life.

Even when Suamataia is ready for NFL reps, the team could still use a free agent like David Bakhtiari. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor had a rough first season in Kansas City, and his struggles continued in Week 1. While his contract ensures the team won’t cut him in 2024, Kansas City could bench him if they find a better option. At his best, Bakhtiari was a far superior player and perhaps the Chiefs can catch lightning in a bottle.

Bakhtiari has spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, becoming one of the league’s most respected offensive linemen. Despite battling injuries over the last couple of seasons, when healthy, he remains one of the top pass protectors in the NFL. The Chiefs are aiming to reinforce their line in a way that allows Mahomes to thrive, and signing Bakhtiari would go a long way toward achieving that goal.

 

Beating Out the Panthers

The Carolina Panthers were also heavily linked with Bakhtiari, as they too are in need of bolstering their offensive line to protect their young quarterback Bryce Young. However, it seems that Kansas City has managed to move ahead in negotiations, with reports suggesting that the Chiefs’ competitive playoff outlook and the chance to play for a Super Bowl contender could be key factors in swaying Bakhtiari’s decision.

 

Carolina’s pursuit of Bakhtiari was understandable, given their current offensive line struggles. However, the allure of joining a team like Kansas City, where Bakhtiari could immediately contend for a championship, might have been too enticing to pass up.

Bakhtiari’s Injury Concerns

One of the biggest questions surrounding Bakhtiari is his ability to stay healthy. He has dealt with knee injuries in recent seasons, including a torn ACL that caused him to miss a significant portion of the 2021 season and parts of 2022. However, when he is on the field, Bakhtiari is still one of the best at his position. The Chiefs will likely be cautious with him, ensuring that he remains healthy for the most important parts of the season.

 

If Bakhtiari can stay healthy, he could be a game-changer for Kansas City’s offensive line, giving Mahomes more time to make plays and keeping opposing pass rushers at bay.

With the Chiefs already considered one of the top contenders in the AFC, the addition of Bakhtiari could elevate them even further. Protecting Mahomes has always been the team’s top priority, and after seeing how injuries to their offensive line affected them in the 2021 Super Bowl loss to the Buccaneers, Kansas City has made it a point to continually upgrade their protection.

 

Bakhtiari’s signing could be the final piece that helps the Chiefs make another strong push toward Super Bowl glory, especially in a highly competitive AFC where teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills are also vying for supremacy.