Ted Thompson had the first move in the post-Josh Sitton era of the Green Bay Packers' offensive line. The state of said offensive line will now have the reliable, perennial starting left tackle David Bakhtiari with the team through 2020. The Packers struck a deal with the fourth-round pick from 2013 worth up to $51.67 million, including an estimated $12 million per year. Not only does this make Bakhtiari one of the highest paid offensive tackles in the league, but it also speaks on the health of his ankle that caused him to miss the only two games of his career last season.

This will likely be the first of several money-driven moves that Thompson makes on the Packers' offensive line. We may even expect another deal or two to be struck during the regular season. Especially with multifaceted center J.C. Tretter lounging in the wing, along with guard T.J. Lang and backup tackle Don Barclay — all patiently awaiting new deals.

Bakhtiari inking a new deal puts the future of backup left tackle Jason Spriggs up in the air after being drafted back in April. A speedy depth option whom the Packers traded up nine spots in the second round to get, along with sending their fourth-round and seventh-round picks to the Colts, all for Spriggs at 48th overall.

After the fiasco of scrambling along the offensive line down the stretch of last year's 10-6 campaign and the eight sacks given up by the offensive line in Arizona, Spriggs' role may just be to provide depth. 

But with Bakhtiari battening down the hatches at left tackle for the next four years, it's safe to assume Spriggs' backup role is set in stone for now. After inking an extended deal of his own last offseason, right tackle Bryan Bulaga will reserve his own spot as well on the opposite side of the offensive line. Spriggs won't see much hope taking over the controls there either, barring any flip-flopping where Bulaga would bump westbound down the offensive line to guard — a position he mastered during his freshman year at Iowa. This would keep Spriggs on the outside perimeter of the offensive front.

Another option for the rookie, however, is to potentially create more of an open-ended aspect with his game. In other words, becoming serviceable at all five offensive line positions, much like the Packers began doing with Barclay through the duration of camp. His performances at Indiana included him being an exclusive tackle — never a guard. If the brilliant mind of Packers' offensive line coach James Campen can muster up some imagination, Spriggs may be an asset at one of the guard positions instead. This shot in the dark would be banking on Lane Taylor, who is now Sitton's evident replacement, to face a steady decline despite his promising showing in Jacksonville in his third career start.

If the Packers were to turn to Spriggs for reserve offensive tackle help, they'd be getting a quick rookie who already offered a small, but reassuring sample size. He started off training camp by going 12-1 in his one-on-one drills, finally succumbing to Lerentee McCray. He followed the imrpessive start with favorable preseason performances, along with other rookie tackle Kyle Murphy.

Campen would have his work cut out for him. Especially considering the weak component to Spriggs' game is securing the inside rusher. He has no problem pivoting his hips and manning down the outside rusher — which is likely why he's been a premier tackle. The Packers would likely turn to Tretter before Spriggs is even a mere thought, though.

Tretter's showcased his athleticism and keen ability to understand blocking assignments on more than one occasion, which is an impressive feat at 6'4", pushing slightly over 300 pounds. Having three full seasons under his belt could help his case as well, but that's a given fact with a general manager such as Thompson, who puts an emphasis on playing time and learning schemes at respective positions.

Moving forward, Spriggs' responsibility is likely to be available and ready. A precaution to avoid previous struggles the team has faced along their offensive line. When your quarterback is Aaron Rodgers, that's probably the smart move. Protecting his blindside was the first priority, and Thompson knocked that one out of the park early Tuesday morning.