After a request, the New York Jets have granted wide receiver Allen Lazard a release, who will officially be put on waivers and become a free agent if he isn’t claimed. According to the breaking news, the Jets will release Lazard as the wideout aims to join a contender before January. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2018, the former Iowa State product joined the Jets to give former quarterback Aaron Rodgers a boost in the offensive scheme. Unfortunately, the pair didn’t do well in New York when Rodgers went down with a season-ending injury that kept him out of action for the 2023 campaign.
4 Contenders That Could Sign Jets Free Agent Allen Lazard After Release
However, the wide receiver did find some bright spots in New York, scoring six touchdown passes from Rodgers, but since the veteran left for Pittsburgh, there were trade or release talks surrounding Lazard. Despite that, the wide receiver stayed in New York by taking a pay cut even though Rodgers wasn’t there anymore. Overall, Lazard wasn’t able to develop as an adequate offensive weapon for any quarterback for the majority of his career in the league, not named Rodgers.
The last time that Lazard had a promising start was when he was a starter for the Green Bay Packers. Lazard went on to set a career high of 60 receptions for 788 receiving yards, which helped him earn a four-year deal with the Jets, but of course, that didn’t go anywhere. With several contenders in need of a receiver, Lazard should have a market right before January. Here are four contenders that may sign him immediately once he clears waivers.
Next Possible Destinations
Pittsburgh Steelers
The most obvious decision is the Pittsburgh Steelers. A reunion between Rodgers and Lazard is possible despite bringing in Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen to the lineup. At 8-6, the Steelers are one of the oldest teams in the league and could go full old-school before the postseason. Rodgers thrives in the playoffs and could use another offensive weapon with familiarity in situational moments.
The pair won’t be the same as they once were in Green Bay, but many should expect the two to reunite if the Steelers decide to claim Lazard off waivers.
Buffalo Bills
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are better off adding as many offensive receivers as they can. Since trading Stefon Diggs a few offseasons ago, the Bills have lacked a true starpower wideout in their lineup, while Josh Allen is utilizing all three weapons in Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer and Khalil Shakir. Lazard doesn’t need to be perfect to make an impact, but he would be a useful safety net in the aerial attack on short-down possessions.
Los Angeles Chargers
If any AFC team needs a receiver, it’s the Chargers. Despite having Ladd McConkey thriving in the aerial attack, Justin Herbert could use more experience in the receiver unit. Keenan Allen is there for that reason, but Quentin Johnston hasn’t done enough to convince anyone. KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris are too inexperienced, and Lazard could be a quick pick-up for Herbert to lean on while he heals from his hand injury.
Chicago Bears
With the receiver unit banged up in Chicago, the Bears could use a temporary weapon to boost their corps for the playoffs by signing Lazard. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden may be sidelined for their upcoming divisional game against Green Bay. If they miss more time, the Bears should sign Lazard either way for depth.
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