The New York Jets’ offseason plans have taken an unexpected turn regarding veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard. Initially, the team planned to part ways with him before free agency, even allowing him to seek a trade. However, no deal materialized, and Lazard remains on the roster.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, the biggest surprise of the Jets’ offseason so far is that Lazard is still with the team and, for now, stands as their best option at the No. 2 wide receiver spot. ESPN’s Rich Cimini also noted that many expected Lazard to be released due to his $13.2 million cap hit, but with limited receiver options available, keeping him—potentially on a restructured deal—might be a wise move. Lazard and Garrett Wilson are the only two Jets pass-catchers with multiple touchdown receptions from last season.
Lazard, who signed a $44 million contract with the Jets in 2023, has struggled to find his footing with the team. Though he had success during his five-year tenure with the Green Bay Packers, recording 2,236 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, his time in New York has been less productive. In two seasons, he has 60 receptions for 841 yards and seven touchdowns. Additionally, he has led the league in drop rate for the past two seasons.
His struggles in 2023 led to friction with the coaching staff, and former head coach Robert Saleh even questioned his intensity before making him a healthy scratch late in the season. New head coach Aaron Glenn now faces the challenge of reigniting Lazard’s drive. If he can, keeping Lazard could be beneficial. Otherwise, his time in New York may soon be over.
While Lazard is still on the roster, his future remains uncertain. The Jets originally intended to release him, and they still have an opportunity to do so after June 1 to maximize cap savings. If they secure a solid replacement in the 2025 NFL Draft, they could move on from him in the summer. Alternatively, if quarterback Aaron Rodgers signs with another team, the Jets might explore a trade to send Lazard to reunite with him.
