Free agent Lt. David Bakhtiari hopes to play a few more years

David Bakhtiari has played in 13 games and missed 38 over the past three seasons as his left knee failed. He underwent a fifth surgical procedure, giving the former All-Pro optimism about continuing his career.

The Packers released Bakhtiari in March, four months after another major surgery on the knee he originally injured in a game on Dec. 31, 2020.

“A lot of other people wanted me to just kind of scream through it, but no one experiences what you actually experience,” Bakhtiari said on the Adam Schefter Podcast. “Look, I’ve been fighting this for three years. I’m in constant pain. I’m really happy now to be on the other side and have the surgery I needed because my knee wasn’t in a good place.”

Bakhtiari, 32, has received interest but wants to make sure there are “no question marks” before committing to a team. He could sign at any time from the start of training camp to the start of the season depending on the progress of his rehab.

“My goal right now is just to make sure that I not only make a full recovery, but that I can stick it out and play the game I want to play, but also play and be there for a team no matter what,” Bakhtiari said. “I’m not a reliever guy. I’m your fundamental guy. Someone who’s not only going to play in September, but in December and in February and obviously hopefully for a few more years.”