As the world continues to wait on word from Aaron Rodgers, the Jets added one of his friends to the roster.
The Jets have agreed on a four-year, $44 million deal with former Packers receivers Allen Lazard, according to sources. Jordan Schultz of The Score was the first to report Lazard’s contract terms with the Jets.
Lazard’s contract will be official at the start of the new league year, Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Lazard originally signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa State in 2018. But the Packers signed him off the Jaguars’ practice squad that same year as he spent five seasons in Green Bay.
In his final season for the Packers, Lazard recorded 60 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per catch.
ESPN is reporting the Jets are also targeting wide receiver Randall Cobb, who is one of Rodgers’ best friends and has played 10 seasons in Green Bay with the veteran quarterback along with Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis. Cobb registered 34 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown in 13 games last season. Lewis caught six receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns last season.
The Jets are still awaiting Rodgers’ decision regarding his future as he could retire, accept a trade to the Jets or return to the Packers — although that seems less likely. On the first day of free agency, current NFL insider and former ESPN personality Trey Wingo said he heard, “Rodgers to the Jets is done.” However, sources said nothing has been finalized.
If they are trying to convince Rodgers to join the Jets, adding familiar faces isn’t the worst thing in the world.
The Jets could use some help at receiver alongside Garrett Wilson, who was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after catching 83 passes for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. No other wide receiver caught more than 40 receptions as tight end Tyler Conklin (58) and running back Michael Carter (41) were the Jets second and third leading pass catchers in 2022. Elijah Moore, Denzel Mims, Corey Davis and Irv Charles are the other receivers on Gang Green’s roster.
Although the NFL’s negotiating period has begun, the Jets could still release Davis to gain $10.5 million salary cap relief. In his two seasons with the Jets, Davis has failed to live up to expectations after signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract he signed in 2021.
Last year, Davis finished with 32 catches for 536 yards and two touchdowns. During his two years with the Jets, Davis has missed 12 games due to various injuries.
The Jets could also use more receiver help as they’re not extending a restricted free agent tender to Jeff Smith. In 2019, the Jets signed Smith as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College. During his four seasons with the Jets, Smith recorded 34 receptions for 426 yards as he was mainly used on special teams.
