Packers GM Brian Gutekunst says David Bakhtiari not being traded - ESPN

GREEN BAY, Wis. — David Bakhtiari isn't going to the New York Jets — or anywhere else. And Jordan Love is going to keep playing in the preseason.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was emphatic about the first part and admittedly somewhat nervous about the second when he spoke to reporters on Friday.

It was clear he wanted to squash any talks that Bakhtiari could join Aaron Rodgers and the cast of other former Packers with the Jets. Bakhtiari is one of the only players from Rodgers' inner circle who is still in Green Bay, and the Jets might need help on the offensive line.

«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.»

Trading or releasing Bakhtiari should have become moot when the Packers converted $5.5 million of his 2023 base salary and his $9.5 million roster bonus into a combined $15 million signing bonus March 10. It will cost the Packers no more than $1.9 million (a $1.2 million base and up to $700,000 in weekly roster bonuses) to keep him around for this season.

Plus, the Packers believe Bakhtiari can still play at an All-Pro level — something he's been recognized for five times in his career but not since he tore the ACL in his left knee and underwent four surgeries since the initial injury on Dec. 31, 2020.

«I think Dave's a pro's pro,» Gutekunst said. «What he went through was tough — it was tough on our football team, it was tough on him — and I think he's really in a good place right now of understanding what he needs to do to get ready to play.»

Bakhtiari has been on a light practice schedule during training camp. He did not play in last