When the Green Bay Packers signed left tackle David Bakhtiari to a contract extension, we assumed it would be front-loaded. After releasing guard Josh Sitton, the Packers had a bit over $16 million in available cap space for 2016.
It would make sense, if you’re going to pay a left tackle market value, that you’d pay a large portion of that deal in year one to mitigate the cap hits in future years. The Packers have done the opposite.
Here are the cap hits for each year of Bakhtiari’s deal.
- 2016: $4.019 million
- 2017: $6.171 million
- 2018: $11.2 million
- 2019: $14.2 million
- 2020: $14.2 million
We’re not saying it’s wrong, but we’re not sure why the Packers wouldn’t front load the contract. One reason could be because they want to extend one or two (or more) players during the 2016 season.
They have plenty of capable potential free agents.
Another important thing to note is the Packers could part ways with Bakhtiari toward the end of his contract if they wanted to save some money or his play slipped.
Although there would be dead money from his signing bonus, the Packers would actually gain a little over $1 million by releasing Bakhtiari prior to the 2019 league year. They’d gain over $7 million in 2020.
I’m surprised we haven’t heard from Monty on this signing, especially after calling this guy worthless not that long ago.
http://sgtest.totalpackers.com/2015/12/when-it-comes-to-penalties-david-bakhtiari-rules
I like the structure of the contract. But i’m not sure why they wouldn’t have used the last 9.6 mill prorated signing bonus money against the cap this year, or even years 16 and17, instead of the last 3 years. I understand they could extend someone else, but it wouldn’t have to be done yet.
This does 2 things. You are able to cut him if need be after 2017 with no dead cap money. But, even if you kept him, you reduce his salary cap # 9.6 mill in the last 3 seasons.
Still not sure where this signing leaves Spriggs, unless he’s gonna replace Bulaga, but i don’t see Ted eating Bulaga’s dead money, that’s not his style. A 2nd round pick is pretty pricey for guard, especially for Ted who usually digs through the undrafted scrap pile for offensive lineman.
Didn’t we all think Spriggs was going to be our new left tackle next year? Why would we use a 2nd round pick for a back-up? I don’t know if this whole off. line strategy is some well thought out plan, or just changes depending on which way the wind is blowing.
The contract turned out about the way I thought it would. This move is to sign at least one or two more potential free agents prior to the end of the season. The team uses the leverage of making the player financially sound with signing bonus for extended contract duration. The player does not have to worry that he could be injured over the course of a season and lose his potential value. The team hopes for a slight discount. Just need to look what the team did with Sitton and Lang a few years back.
When the team completes the extension they not only are receiving an assist for a couple of years on the cap. The team is also providing the player and team a contract value 3,4,or 5 years down the road that may appear high at the time, but with league salary cap increases will keep the player close to or slightly below the going rate. This should keep players and the organization somewhat satisfied with contract value over the duration of the contract.
Well if the Packers think they got a slight discount with Bak’s contract, maybe they’ll think i’m qualified to be the next GM.
This guy has more penalty’s than most lineman of any position on the line in the NFL, and most of them are holding penalty’s. The reason you get a holding penalty is because your losing your battle. Sorry, i just don’t think that justifies 12 mill/year.
I’m not adverse to signing him long term, but that money is right for a top 5 left tackle, is he a top 5 left tackle? Plus, any thought’s on the Spriggs questions’s i brought up? I almost think the Packers signed Bak to send a message to the team, that if you keep your mouth shut, and be a good soldier, you will be rewarded, idk.
Several of Bakh’s holding penalties came because he was to light in the pants his first two years, just like Spriggs appears to be this year. Bakh was also hurt a lot last year. It appears to me that Bahk has increased his size and strength considerably from previous years (this is Killers chance to claim HGH use). You have to admit Bakh was thrown into the fire awful early for a fourth round pick, and I would rather him hold than get Rodgers killed. That is the reason I think Spriggs Is not a better option this year, he needs to build on his strength. I would think Spriggs is going to right tackle next year, with Bulaga going to guard. First though Spriggs has to beat out someone, or as usually is the case someone may get injured. The team can always try to renegotiate Bulaga’s contract if and I repeat if, he loses a battle with Spriggs. Spriggs this year is by far a better option than what the team had last year, at either tackle position in an emergency, except for Tretter.
I look at this contract slightly different than you do, even though I understand your concern. In fact when I saw the contract my first thought was didn’t Bakh late last year say his ankle was totally shredded. This is a five year contract that averages approximately 10 mil. That would put Bakh close to top ten. If you look at the contract as a four year contract that would put Bakh as the 6th highest paid left tackle. When next season and maybe the following season roll around and new left tackle contracts are signed or franchise tags are issued I would bet that Bakh is outside top 10 left tackles in contract value.
One other thing to consider is the left tackle from the redskins is the top paid tackle in the league. I seem to recall at least Perry, and maybe Matthews beating Williams like a rented mule in the playoffs. Perry and Matthews are probably across from Bakh in one on one drills every day in camp. I would guess the team gets a good idea of how Bakh compares with top 5 or 10 tackles based on how Bakh performs against the guys across from Bakh in practice every day.
It’s a 4 year 48 mill/contract. they just used this year to start his prorated signing bonus.
I never implied that Spriggs should be playing this year. Were a bit different, i don’t look at a contract, and feel like it will be a good deal down the road.
The 0 line is a touchy subject with me, as i think we’re looking at having trouble ahead of us. I hope i’m wrong.
Believe me, I do not like the way the team dealt with Sitton at the time of his release and after. To me Sitton should not have been released and the rumors about why he was released should not have been put forward. I think you and I have a feeling where those rumors originated and I hate it.
There is always the chance anyone could get hurt or not perform down the road, and that could be the case with Bakh also. It is a large sum of money when there is the chance the team has a cheaper left tackle maybe available and ready next year, but that is also an unknown. I do think Spriggs is capable of being a very good NFL tackle.
One thing you asked about that I did not respond. Is Bakh a top 5 left tackle? After last year no I do not believe so. I think he is some where around top 10 to 15. He has to prove he is top 5 or 6 this year. I think if healthy he has it in him. It will be a good test for Bakh this week against Griffen. Griffen is a quality DE. Go Pack!
Just saw a tweet that said David has gone 453 snaps without allowing a sack, longest streak in the NFL. Keeps playing like that hell earn every penny of Josh Sittons money.
I’ll give him that, he only gave up 3 sacks last season.