It appears that the New York Jets are actively seeking to bolster their wide receiver corps this offseason.
Insiders Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt from The Athletic have reported that the Jets are looking to trade wide receiver Allen Lazard.
“The Jets have made WR Allen Lazard available in trade talks this offseason, league sources tell me and @ZackBlatt . Lazard is due a $10 million salary this season.”
Lazard, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $44 million contract he inked as a free agent last season, is set to earn $10 million in 2024.
Previously a teammate of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, the Jets had high hopes for Lazard’s performance, aiming to replicate his solid contributions from his time with the Packers. However, Lazard’s output took a downturn midway through the season, prompting the Jets to sideline him as a healthy scratch rather than risking his inconsistency on the field.
In 2023, Lazard’s catching rate plummeted to 47%, a significant drop from his previous 65% catch rate.
Despite these challenges, Lazard was initially slated as a starting receiver for the Jets in 2024, especially with Rodgers returning to full health. Yet, with Lazard still in the early stages of a lucrative four-year deal, valued at over $40 million, the Jets face the challenge of finding a trade partner willing to absorb his hefty contract, given his recent underperformance.
The question now remains: will the Jets manage to find a suitable trade destination for Lazard, or will they be forced to retain him despite their efforts to move him?
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