Jets Release Veteran Wide Receiver, Possible Team Fits Emerge

Lazard’s Tough Tenure in New York

Much of Lazard’s shortcomings while on the Jets had to do with the circumstances. In 2023, the quarterback they got him to play with, Aaron Rodgers, suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 1. With Zach Wilson at the helm, he mustered up only 23 catches, 311 yards, and 1 touchdown. In 2024, the Jets got Rodgers back, and thus, Lazard immediately started paying dividends. In the first 7 games of that season, Lazard put up 30 catches, 412 yards, and 5 touchdowns. This eclipsed his 2023 season in less than half of the games. However, a chest injury caused him to lose time in the middle of the season. He wasn’t the same player after coming back in Week 14, amassing just 7 catches, 118 yards, and 1 touchdown the rest of the way. In 2025, Lazard was a non-factor for the Jets offense. He had just 10 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown before being released. He was a healthy scratch in four of the Jets’ contests this year.

Possible Team Fits

Pittsburgh Steelers

This is the most obvious one, so it makes sense to get it out of the way first. The main factor behind why this makes sense is Aaron Rodgers. Lazard and Rodgers played together during the former’s entire tenure in Green Bay, putting up those solid, aforementioned statistics. The Steelers wide receiver room is also not very productive outside of D.K. Metcalf, and even he doesn’t light it up every week in the Steel City. Lazard would fit in nicely as someone who has years worth of chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, as well as another big body in the red zone for him to threaten defenses with. The Steelers also love to run the ball, so Lazard can offer his services as a blocker as well.

Baltimore Ravens

This one is much more interesting. If Lazard can turn his performance around, the Ravens could use a player of his archetype. The Ravens don’t really have that typical “X” receiver on their team right now. Lazard stands at 6’5″ and weighs 227 pounds. These would both be team highs. Giving Lamar Jackson a better 50/50 option with that size would be very beneficial to their offense right now. Similar to the Steelers, Lazard would be a relevant run blocker for Baltimore, too, with his size and strength. The Ravens need to do anything they can to make Lamar’s life a little easier right now.

Washington Commanders

Moving away from contenders, the Commanders need wide receiver help as much as any team. Both of their top receiving weapons, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, have struggled with injuries this season. They also lost veteran tight end Zach Ertz to a torn ACL recently. Finally, Noah Brown is also back on injured reserve after just 2 games back.

General Manager Adam Peters could sign Lazard to essentially a tryout deal for next season, using these last three games with Marcus Mariota to see what he’s got. If he performs well, he could be a solid depth player for them in 2026 and maybe even beyond.

New Orleans Saints

Similar to the Commanders, the Saints don’t have much at the wide receiver position. After trading away speedster Rashid Shaheed, the only notable player left is former first-round pick Chris Olave . After him, it’s DeVaughn Vele (who’s come along nicely since the Shaheed trade) and Mason Tipton. Lazard could sign and get relevant snaps right away for this team. If he signs this week, he could even help the Saints in their upcoming matchup against his former team, the Jets.