Social media buzz has linked the New York Jets with free-agent offensive tackle David Bakhtiari during this offseason, sparking speculation among fans. Connor Hughes of SNY, speaking on the “Badlands” podcast with Joe Caporoso, confirmed that there are indeed substantial connections between the Jets and Bakhtiari.
Hughes emphasized Bakhtiari’s exceptional talent when healthy, asserting that he ranks among the top offensive tackles in the NFL. However, concerns linger over his current health status, with reports indicating that he is currently sidelined due to injury. Despite this, Hughes suggested that if Bakhtiari were available at the right price and condition, signing him could make sense for the Jets as a valuable addition to their roster.
Adding Bakhtiari to the Jets lineup would provide a significant boost, serving as a veteran backup tackle behind established starters Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. This potential role would be new for Bakhtiari, who has consistently started games since entering the league in 2013 as a fourth-round pick. Despite his impressive track record, Bakhtiari’s career has been marred by injuries, raising questions about his durability and future in the NFL.
Securing Bakhtiari’s signature would require a compelling recruitment effort from the Jets, especially considering their limited cap space and the uncertainty surrounding Bakhtiari’s health and playing time. The team may need to get creative with contract offers to entice him to join. Additionally, the Jets must address concerns about their offensive line depth, with experts suggesting that failing to bolster this area could pose significant risks for the upcoming season.
Ultimately, the Jets may opt to address their offensive line needs through the NFL draft, potentially targeting an offensive lineman with their No. 10 overall pick. However, if they choose to explore the free-agent market, Bakhtiari could emerge as a prime candidate to fill the void and provide much-needed stability to their roster.
