Packers’ David Bakhtiari reportedly becomes highest-paid lineman in NFL history with four-year extension

The Green Bay Packers and left tackle David Bakhtiari have agreed to a four-year extension worth up to $105.5 million, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. The new money makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in league history with an average base salary of $23 million. The deal includes a $30 million signing bonus and an additional $30-plus million in roster bonuses. Bakhtiari is due at least $62.8 million prior to the conclusion of the 2022 season, according to NFL.com. The new deal will tie him to Green Bay through the 2024 season. 

The California native returned for Sunday’s 24-20 win over Jacksonville after missing the previous three games with a chest injury. The Packers improved to 7-2 on the season.

The lineman is earning $14.7 million in the final year of his current deal. Bakhtiari, 29, was a fourth-round pick out of Colorado in 2013. His addition enabled the team to move veteran Bryan Bulaga to the right side. Over the course of his career, he has started 111 games. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has been named an All-Pro each of the past four seasons. Forrest Gregg is the only other tackle in franchise history to earn All-Pro recognition in four consecutive seasons. Mitchell Schwartz of the Kansas City Chiefs is the only other tackle to accomplish the feat during the same timeframe. 

Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith previously held the league record for total value over the course of a contract ($97.6 million). Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil held the record for average annual value earning $22 million. 

Running back Aaron Jones, center Corey Linsley and offensive guard Lane Taylor are some of the other notable Packers scheduled to hit free agency following the conclusion of the season.