It hasn't been an ideal start to the four-year contract that he signed this past March.
Through eight games with the New York Jets, Allen Lazard has failed to become a key offensive contributor at the WR2 spot.
"He’s had some ups and downs, and he knows that. He and I had a great talk," said Jets' third-year head coach Robert Saleh as the team prepares for a Week 10 visit to Las Vegas. "I love his mindset, I love the way he approaches every day, I love the way he approaches his work week."
Lazard's production has been below average for a player sitting that high on the depth chart. The WR2 ranks fourth on the team in receptions (19) and third in receiving yards (273).
"Are things going the way he wants? On occasion, yeah. I know he wants more, and he wants more for himself," said Saleh.
Averaging only 2.4 receptions per game, Lazard has exceeded the 50-yard mark once in eight outings. His 2.7 yards after catch per reception would be the lowest mark of his career if the season ended today.
In addition to his subpar statistics, Lazard has made a number of noticeable mistakes. He is responsible for four drops on 35 total targets and has committed a couple of penalties that have negated first down gains.
"Sometimes, as a player, you start pressing and you start trying to swing for the fences," said Saleh applying a baseball analogy to the situation. "The reality is he just needs to focus on putting the bat on the ball and putting the ball in play and going from there."
The veteran pass-catcher, who turns 28 years old on December 11, led the Green Bay Packers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788) in 2022. Even though his production is trending below those levels, Lazard continues to see a high volume of offensive snaps. He has been on the field for 87 percent of the Jets' plays on offense.
Lazard managed only two receptions on six targets for 18 total yards in the Week 9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He played despite popping up on the injury report late in the week with a knee issue.
"He’ll come around," said Saleh. "He’s got the right mindset, so I’m not overly concerned about the direction he’s going."
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