The Chicago Bears appear done making big free agency moves this year. Their roster is mostly set across the board. A possibility still exists that they may try to add a veteran pass rusher before training camp, but nothing has happened yet. Some hope the team looks into veteran center Connor Williams, who was one of the best in the NFL over the past two seasons before his unfortunate knee injury. However, the Las Vegas oddsmakers appear to think another name floating out there is on the Bears’ radar.
It is an old nemesis from that team up north. BetOnline has Chicago as the current favorite to sign former All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, who remains available after leaving the Green Bay Packers this off-season. As early as two years ago, many considered him the best left tackle in football before a catastrophic knee injury during the 2020 season completely derailed his career. He missed almost all of 2021, suffered another knee injury in 2022, and missed most of 2023. Some wonder if he has anything left in the tank after such a string of setbacks. He turns 33 in September. Nobody knows what kind of player he’d be at this point.
They don’t have a pressing need at tackle. Braxton Jones is a quality starter on the left side, is younger, and obviously less expensive. Not only that, but they also have solid depth with Larry Borom and rookie Kiran Amegadjie. The only reason Chicago would sign Bakhtiari is if they’re convinced he’s a significant upgrade over Jones, or perhaps he’d consider moving inside to guard. Neither seems like a viable possibility. So unless Bakhtiari is willing to take the veteran minimum and be a backup, there is no way he’s coming to Chicago.
The Kansas City Chiefs make way more sense. They’re always looking for more protection for Patrick Mahomes and aren’t shy about taking calculated risks on older veterans. Getting a somewhat healthy Bakhtiari, even at 80% of his full strength, would be a massive win for the defending champions. The Chicago Bears are focused on developing their young guys. Moving off Jones right as he could be on the verge of becoming a top quality tackle makes no sense. They have to see it through with him.
