Arguably the best wide receiver that was available this offseason in free agency was Allen Lazard. He put together a career season in 2022, catching 60 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns as the de facto No. 1 option in the passing game for the Green Bay Packers.
That performance, coupled with his elite run-blocking skills, landed him a nice contract this offseason. Allen Lazard agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the New York Jets with $22 million guaranteed.
His contract was the largest one signed by a free agent wide receiver this offseason and it certainly raised some eyebrows. Not because of how much it was worth; Allen Lazard has proven he deserved a raise. But, instead, who the contract came from.
A wide receiver was far from a pressing need for the Jets this offseason. They have the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson, atop the depth chart at wide receiver. Corey Davis and Elijah Moore were behind him, but New York brass opted to remodel the entire depth chart behind Wilson and Allen Lazard was the first piece in that.
Ultimately, what really drew the former undrafted Iowa State product to Gang Green was Aaron Rodgers. There had been rumors swirling for weeks that Rodgers was going to eventually end up with the Jets and he recently cleared the air, saying that is where he intends to play in 2023.
While negotiations have hit a snag recently, with the Packers seeking more compensation than the Jets have offered, Allen Lazard isn’t concerned. He picked the Jets because of Rodgers and is confident the future Hall of Famer will soon join him in East Rutherford.
Allen Lazard is certainly smart to hitch his wagon to Rodgers, who is one of the best to ever do it. His confidence level in a trade getting done will certainly ease some of the concerns of Jets fans, who know that options are limited at the quarterback position should the deal for Rodgers fall through.
Right now, there are still a few things being worked through, but the fact remains. If Rodgers gets his way, and he most likely will, he will be joining Allen Lazard on the Jets in 2023.
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