The San Francisco 49ers have arguably the most talented roster in the NFL. With multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro players on both sides of the ball, it is easy to see why they have become one of the most dominant teams in the NFL over the past several seasons. The problem, though, with having so many top-tier players at multiple positions is that there comes a time when they all need to be given extensions.
San Francisco is currently in contract disputes with two of their best players, left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who are refusing to play unless they get new deals.
While the 49ers have adequate depth on the offensive line and wide receiver positions, there is concern over whether or not it will be enough should the disputes spill into the regular season.
The San Francisco 49ers Encouraged to Sign Former Green Bay Packers All-Pro David Bakhtiari
Every week, Bleacher Report‘s scouting department releases a list of each NFL team’s biggest weaknesses. While they list left guard as the biggest flaw on the 49ers’ team, their suggestion to immediately improve the overall depth of the offensive line is to sign former Green Bay Packers All-Pro David Bakhtiari:
“With Trent Williams continuing to hold out of camp, Jaylon Moore is currently the 49ers’ starting left tackle despite only having seven career starts in three seasons.
“The team might want to invest in a veteran insurance policy just in case Williams’ holdout leaks into the regular season.
“Bakhtiari has been banged up over the last few years, but if his medicals check out, that would give the club a former first-team All-Pro to turn to at left tackle in case of an emergency. Plus, it could help that the San Mateo, CA native is from the area and might be interested in playing for his hometown team.”
Bakhtiari, of course, has only played 13 games in the last three years due to a plethora of knee injuries and surgeries. He was released by the Packers earlier this offseason due to the $40 million cap hit he could have carried in 2024.
Should the San Francisco 49ers Sign David Bakhtiari?
The big question is whether or not Bakhtiari is healthy enough to play in 2024. Over the course of the offseason, he has stated multiple times that he is.
A complication, though, is that he also wants to start wherever he goes. Once Williams ends his holdout, he will be entrenched at left tackle. While Bakhtiari could play right tackle, he would likely rather stick to the only position he has played in the NFL.
That being said, if Bakhtiari were willing to take a reserve role as a swing tackle, he would be a very low cost but very high reward type signing. His injury history is going to keep him from making anything above league minimum at this point, unless the contract is heavily incentivized.
If the regular season comes and Williams still is a no-show, it would Bakhtiari may be worth a phone call.
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