New Jets WR Lazard says it feels good that '12' will be his QB again

The New York Jets do not officially have a new starting quarterback just yet, but Allen Lazard, their big offseason wide receiver signing, is already operating under the assumption that they do. 

During his introductory press conference with the New York media on Friday, Lazard said "it feels good that 12 is going to be my quarterback again," a reference to the likelihood of Aaron Rodgers joining the Packers at some point this offseason.

After weeks of speculation and uncertainty regarding his future, Rodgers finally confirmed this week that he intends to play during the 2023 NFL season and that his intention is to play for the Jets. The only thing that remains is the two teams working out some sort of compensation on a trade.

Prior to Rodgers' announcement it was reported that he had given the Jets a list of players he would like to see join him in New York on a package deal (a report Rodgers dismissed). The list was primarily former Green Bay teammates, as well as veteran free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. 

Lazard was one of the players on that reported list, and just a couple of days later he had a new $44 million contract with the team.

Rodgers spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in Green Bay where Rodgers was the only primary quarterback he has ever known. It seems it is only a matter of when, and not if, that continues in New York. 

Lazard caught 60 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns during the 2022 season, 

Rodgers can dispute the report of his wish list all he wants, but it is worth asking if Lazard would be a Jet without the pending addition of Rodgers. The Jets already had a very talented -- and young -- wide receiver corps led by 2022 offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson, while there were arguably better wide receivers available on the open market for that same price range.