Bakhtiari, 32, has played in just 13 games since the start of the 2021 season after a horrific late season injury in 2020. He continues a media tour to try to gin up interest among contending teams with offensive line issues, mostly recently sitting down with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Even if he signs with a team this summer, it’s hard to imagine Bakhtiari will be more than a rotational player. The Jets, with longtime Bakhtiari friend Aaron Rodgers under center, makes sense as a landing spot this summer.

Still recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2020 season, Bakhtiari, 32, has undergone multiple surgeries and was recently deemed by Dr. Brian Cole to be on schedule for a 2024 return. It remains to be seen whether the grizzled veteran will be able to return to elite form if and when he gets back on the field. Released by the Packers in March, he’ll look to sign a short-term deal with another team looking for pass protection help. Look for longtime friend Aaron Rodgers to recruit Bakhtiari in the coming weeks.

According to Rapoport, Bakhtiari is “diligently rehabbing and is focused on returning to play.” Credit to the veteran lineman for continuously battling to to get back on the field, but it goes without saying that Bakhtiari has been working to return from the same devastating knee injury that ended his 2020 campaign. Bakhtiari has played in only 13 games since 2021 and played in one game in both 2021 and 2023. Set to turn 33 in September, Bakhtiari’s age, coupled with his injury, may prove to be too much for him to return at a high level of play.

Bakhtiari hasn’t been the same since suffering a devastating leg injury in 2020. The former two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler has played in just 14 games over the last three years and was limited to only one game in 2021 and 2023. It’s hard to imagine Bakhtiari, 32, has much to offer at this stage in his career, but he will likely try to continue his career elsewhere in 2024. The Jets seem like a logical fit, given his connection to Aaron Rodgers and their need for offensive line help, but whether or not Gang Green is willing to take that plunge is another conversation.