As the world continues to wait for news of Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have added one of his friends to the roster.
The Jets have agreed to a four-year, $44 million contract with former Packers catcher Allen Lazard, according to sources. The Score’s Jordan Schultz was the first to report the terms of Lazard’s contract with the Jets.
Lazard’s contract will become official at the start of the new league year, on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.
Lazard originally signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa State in 2018. But the Packers signed him off the Jaguars’ practice squad that same year when he spent five seasons in Green Bay.
In his final season with the Packers, Lazard recorded 60 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per reception.
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ESPN reports that the Jets are also targeting wide receiver Randall Cobb, who is one of Rodgers’ best friends and has played 10 seasons in Green Bay with the veteran quarterback along with Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis. Cobb had 34 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown in 13 games last season. Lewis hauled in six receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns last season.
The Jets are still awaiting Rodgers’ decision regarding his future, as he could retire, accept a trade with the Jets or return to the Packers, though that seems less likely. On the first day of free agency, current NFL player and former ESPN personality Trey Wingo said he heard: “Rodgers to the Jets is done.” However, the sources said that nothing has been finalized.
If they’re trying to convince Rodgers to join the Jets, adding familiar faces isn’t the worst thing in the world.
The Jets could use some help at receiver alongside Garrett Wilson, who was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after catching 83 passes for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. No other wide receiver hauled in more than 40 receptions, as tight end Tyler Conklin (58) and running back Michael Carter (41) were the Jets’ second- and third-leading pass catchers in 2022. Elijah Moore, Denzel Mims, Corey Davis and Irv Charles are the other catchers on Gang Green’s list.
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Although the NFL’s trading period has begun, the Jets could still release Davis for $10.5 million salary cap relief. In his two seasons with the Jets, Davis hasn’t lived up to expectations after signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract that he signed in 2021.
Last year, Davis finished with 32 receptions for 536 yards and two touchdowns. During his two years with the Jets, Davis has missed 12 games due to various injuries.
The Jets could also use some more catcher help, as they aren’t extending a restricted free agent offer to Jeff Smith. In 2019, the Jets signed Smith as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College. During his four seasons with the Jets, Smith recorded 34 receptions for 426 yards, as he was used primarily on special teams.
