Rodgers Target Takes Massive Pay Cut

The New York Jets have undergone a host of changes this offseason, both on and off the field, with personnel seeing the most significant changes.

Aaron Rodgers, C.J. Mosley and Davante Adams headline the outgoings, with the franchise looking for a clean slate in 2025 under new head coach Aaron Glenn.

But for all the moves that have been made this offseason, Allen Lazard remains on the roster.

And now he remains here under the terms of a new and reduced deal.

After signing a four-year, $44 million deal, Lazard, who is just two seasons into it, hasn't lived up to the price tag, with many thinking it is inevitable that the receiver will be moved on. So why hasn't he?

At one point, it was assumed New York was going to cut him after June 1.

If they were to do that with Lazard, they would save $11 million on this year’s cap as opposed to $6.6 million, and then they would be able to spread the negative impact of that over the course of two years.

Or ... they simply go to Lazard and ask him to take a straight-up paycut to remain employed.

OverTheCap.com reports that Lazard - who was set to make $11 million this season - has agreed to take an $8.5 million pay cut.

That moves his cap number from $13.2 million to $4.6 million for the coming season. ... and along with that, erases his 2026 obligation, so he'll be a free agent after this season.

Given the lack of weapons behind Garrett Wilson, there is a possibility that the Jets feel they simply need the player. Also lingering is the idea that he could be traded to, say, the Pittsburgh Steelers assuming his buddy, QB Aaron Rodgers, takes the job there.

Just 841 yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons from a receiver earning roughly $11 million APY wasn't enough.

But now Lazard remains a Jet in an affordable way. Unless Aaron Rodgers happens to call.