Earlier this offseason, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach stated that one of his objectives this spring was to increase the level of competition at left tackle. He didn't say how he would go about the task, but it feels safe to say that a veteran acquisition might be in the cards for a second consecutive season.
Last year, the Chiefs underwent a massive overhaul at offensive tackle by signing Jawaan Taylor early in free agency to a massive four-year deal and drafting Oklahoma tackle Wanya Morris in the third round.
Following the selection of Morris, the Chiefs added a veteran in Donovan Smith to serve as a potential starter on the left side in case Morris wasn't ready to shoulder the load immediately as a rookie. Smith held down the starting role for most of the season.
According to Matthew Berry, the Packers are expected to part ways with Bakhtiari this spring.
This spring, Smith is again a free agent, which makes it possible that he could return in the same role as last year. However, if he leaves, the Chiefs are likely looking at replacing him with a similar veteran who would be able to step into a starting role if needed and could provide security at the position either way.
One potential player who could hit the open market is Green Bay Packers tackle David Bakhtiari. According to Matthew Berry of NBC Sports, the Packers are likely ready to part ways with Bakhtiari and he could be the sort of high-reward, low-cost target that Veach would love to find.
Bakhtiari is a five-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler who has started on the left side for the Packers since 2013.
The injury issues with Bakhtiari are well known considering he only played in one game in both 2023 and 2021. In fact, Bakhtiari might very well decide to hang up his cleats if he's not convinced he can return to the field for a full season.
The good news here for the Chiefs is that Bakhtiari's presence along with the likes of Tyron Smith and even Donovan Smith gives them multiple options for high-performing vets who might enjoy chasing a ring at the end of their careers.