The wide receiver Allen Lazard appears to be among the most disappointing free-agent acquisitions made by the New York Jets in recent memory. The squad has seen several misses over the years.
Lazard’s 2023 campaign was underwhelming. According to projections, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report will be the team’s biggest fail in 2024.
“Though optimism for a rebound year is centered on a healthy Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard’s production tanked in 2023,” Kenyon said. Rogers feels very at ease with Lazard. However, Mike Williams and Garrett Wilson should be targeted more frequently, making Lazard, at best, an extremely pricey No. 3.
In 2023, Lazard inked a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets. However, there’s a good probability he won’t live to see that New York deal through to the finish.
The Problems Facing Allen Lazard in New York
It would be an understatement to say that Lazard’s experience with the Jets hasn’t gone well.
Lazard, a former undrafted free agent, established himself with the Packers. He matured into a dependable blocker and Aaron Rodgers’ main weapon. During his five seasons with the Packers, he brought in 2,236 yards and 20 touchdowns with 169 catches.
Joe Douglas, general manager of the Jets, signed Lazard with the intention of establishing a similar bond with Rodgers in New York. Rather, four games into the season, Rodgers sustained a torn Achilles, which forced Lazard to make due with a few backup quarterbacks.
For Lazard, that experiment did not go well. Throughout the years, he only caught 23 passes for one score. Lazard ended up becoming a healthy scratch for a number of games toward the end of the season.
Even with Rodgers back on the field, Lazard is reportedly having trouble during offseason exercises, which exacerbates the situation.
Lazard’s ability to carve out a respectable NFL career as an undrafted free agent is astounding. Regretfully, it appears that 2024 may be his final opportunity to rebuild his career before he turns into a Jets player who may be replaceable.
Other Receiving Options in New York
Suddenly, the Jets have some reliable depth at wide receiver. That may render Lazard unnecessary in the near future.
In the NFL, one of the most intriguing young receivers is Garrett Wilson. Even without a reliable quarterback situation, the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year has already had back-to-back seasons with 1,000 yards. Wilson’s output might soar in 2024 with a healthy Rodgers.
This offseason, Joe Douglas made sure to surround Wilson with additional weapons. Mike Williams, the third-year receiver’s opposite, will provide some consistency. Williams had several 1,000-yard seasons while healthy, despite his recent ACL tear.
Malachi Corley was another promising slot receiver selected by the Jets. Western Kentucky native Corley was selected in the third round, and when he has the ball in his hands after making a grab, he can be a very dangerous option.
By Week 1, those three will most likely be New York’s starting lineup. Anticipate that players such as Malik Taylor, Lazard, and Xavier Gipson will also see some action on the field.
But if everyone stays well, Lazard may have to endure another year of low output.
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