After hearing recent trade speculation regarding David Bakhtiari, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made one thing clear on Friday: the star offensive tackle isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Despite being a fixture on Green Bay’s O-line, Bakhtiari’s future had come into question on Wednesday. This was thanks to speculation fueled by an Instagram post from the left tackle’s close friend and former teammate, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Needless to say, based on his response, Gutekunst already appeared to be more than fed up with the rumors when asked if there was any chance Bakhtiari could be dealt, as 97.3 The Game revealed.
“First off all, we’re not going to trade David,” Gutekunst said. “So, let’s just get that out of the way because I know there’s been a little bit of chatter about that, and it’s not going to happen.”
JUST NOW:
— 97.3 The Game (@TheGameMKE) August 18, 2023
Our @mattschneidman asks #Packers GM Brian Gutekunst about David Bakhtiari.
Gutekunst: “First of all we’re not going to trade David.” pic.twitter.com/03qroCLW1z
While Gutekunst’s blunt answer may dispel any rumors temporarily, it likely won’t stop Bakhtiari, who’s been with the Packers since 2013, from being mentioned as a potential trade target, namely for Rodgers’s Jets.
Not to mention, fans and pundits will forever link the two given their well-documented relationship, as evidenced by Rodgers including Bakhtiari’s handle in a post shouting out Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams.
Despite the chatter, however, Bakhtiari will remain a Packer for the time being, as the five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro gears up for the task of protecting Jordan Love’s blind side in the first season of his career without Rodgers.
