Jets coach praises WR Allen Lazard after woeful season

New York Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson remains high on wideout Allen Lazard even though Lazard is coming off a rather forgettable first season with the organization.

"Since I’ve been here, he’s been like a second coach in the room," Jefferson recently said about Lazard, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "He’s been with [quarterback Aaron Rodgers] his whole career. He understands what Aaron wants on this route, where to be against cover 2 or against quarters. That can be a big-time advantage for him and also for us as a whole sharing that in the classroom."

Lazard played alongside Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2018-22. While Lazard signed a four-year contract reportedly worth up to $44M with $22M guaranteed to join the Jets in March 2023, Gang Green didn't officially acquire Rodgers until the following month.

The marriage involving Lazard and Rodgers featuring for the Jets made plenty of sense last summer considering both had New York offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as an OC with the Packers from 2019-21. However, Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the 2023 regular-season opener, and Lazard ultimately finished Week 18 with just 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown on the campaign.

Lazard reportedly could lose his job with the Jets before September regardless of his relationship with Rodgers. It was reported in May that the Jets "made legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace Hackett" as the man running their offense even though he has Rodgers' support.

"I’m just having a chat with my guys in the classroom," Jefferson added about what he's telling his receivers ahead of training camp. "Like, 'Hey, you can play in this league for 10-12 years and not play with a quarterback like [Rodgers]. Let’s take advantage of him while he’s here. This quarterback can literally make your career.'"

That's all well and good but won't mean much if Rodgers, who turns 41 years old this coming December, can't stay on the field or looks like a shell of his former self coming off his serious injury. As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets tied for sixth among the betting favorites at +1100 odds to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX.