GREEN BAY, Wis. — It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially to a player like David Bakhtiari. For 11 seasons, he was a terrific offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers. 

He was named All-Pro five times, making him the Packers’ most decorated offensive tackle since the late Forrest Gregg.

The reality is that Bakhtiari hasn’t been the same since tearing his ACL in practice on New Year’s Eve 2020. He’s only been able to play 13 of a possible 57 games since then. The Packers are able to gain about $21 million in salary cap space by releasing him. He will turn 33 during the next season.

Bakhtiari wants to keep playing. The Packers don’t want to keep paying him like an elite tackle. He’s not the player he was when he signed the contract. There are no bad guys here. Circumstances changed.

The Packers plugged in the raw Rasheed Walker and kept winning. Bakhtiari will go somewhere else (to join friend Aaron Rodgers with the Jets?)

Bakhtiari will not make nearly the money he was making with the Packers. He has to prove himself all over again.

When you pull the lens back, it’s a remarkable story. A fourth round draft pick who ends up becoming a Packers and Pro Football Hall of Famer. 

Whatever the future holds, Bakhtiari’s legacy is secure with the Packers.