After news of moving on from both Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, many expected the Jets to cut this polarizing veteran wide receiver. However, despite these rumors, general manager Darren Mougey went an alternative route. Instead, the wide receiver agreed to stay on a significant pay cut. By accepting this pay cut, this veteran wide receiver is expected to remain on the team. With the NFL Draft just days away, the New York Jets retaining wide receiver Allen Lazard ensures some veteran depth remains behind Garrett Wilson.
Wide Receiver’s Pay Cut Shows Support for New Leadership
In 2023, before trading for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets signed one of his longtime wide receivers. After spending his entire career in Green Bay, the New York Jets signed longtime Green Bay Packer, Allen Lazard. Drafted out of Iowa State in 2018, Lazard became a preferred target for the former four-time MVP. Once star Davante Adams was traded in 2022, Lazard saw an expanded role during his final season in Green Bay. He finished with a career high 788 yards on 60 catches with six touchdowns. However, he struggled to find chemistry with Zach Wilson in his first season as a Jet. In a disappointing 2023, he finished with 311 yards on 23 catches and one touchdown through 12 games.
Polarizing wide receiver Allen Lazard is staying in New York
Entering 2024, Allen Lazard needed a big season. Now, with a healthy Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, Lazard was off to a great start, with five of his six touchdowns coming before the end of October. However, a rib injury during the Jets loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers kept Lazard on the sidelines for five games. All in all, while drops remain a significant problem, Lazard improved from his 2023 season. Lazard finished 2024 with 530 yards and six touchdowns on 37 catches. Alas, Lazard also finished with six dropped passes, tying his career high from 2022.
The significance of Lazard’s return to New York stems from the large pay cut he took. According to Over The Cap, Lazard’s cap hit in 2025 will be $4.6 million. This is a pay cut of over $8 million to remain on the team. Such a substantial financial sacrifice speaks volumes for his support of new head coach Aaron Glenn.
New York’s wide receiver room with Lazard staying
As things stand, Allen Lazard will be entering 2025 as the second wide receiver on the depth chart. Dynamic wide receiver Garrett Wilson will be the team’s primary wide receiver, now reunited with his college quarterback, Justin Fields. Due to his 6’5″ and 230 lb frame, Lazard is a good complement next to Wilson as a contested catch specialist. His large frame is ideal for deep routes due to his body control against defensive backs.
After Lazard, new signee Josh Reynolds will be the team’s third wide receiver. Thanks to his tenure with the Detroit Lions, Reynolds will be crucial for teaching his teammates the new offense. New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand spent three seasons with Reynolds in Detroit from 2021 to 2023. Along with Reynolds, 2024 third-round pick Malachi Corley could be in for a larger role as well. Known for his ability to extend plays after the catch, Engstrand will likely rely on Corley more in short routes when Wilson is doubled.
General Manager preparing for the future
In addition to the benefits of retaining a veteran wide receiver, the move is also a brilliant assessment from new general manager Darren Mougey. Thanks to his past as a wide receiver at San Diego State, Mougey had played a big role in the Denver Broncos personnel decisions during his tenure. Over time, Mougey helped the Broncos find long-term talent to replace their veteran wide receiver room. These include players like Courtland Sutton, current Detroit Lion Tim Patrick, and Jerry Jeudy, who is now on the Cleveland Browns.
Due to Lazard’s new pay cut, Lazard can now enter the 2026 off-season as a free agent. Lazard’s presence in New York can allow Mougey to target a wide receiver in this month’s draft. This is good news with a stacked rookie wide receiver class. Should they remain with the seventh overall pick, New York could opt to draft Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Considered the undisputed wide receiver one in the draft class, McMillan has a similar frame to Lazard at 6’4″ and 220 lbs. In addition, New York can use their seventh overall pick on other needs, such as right tackle or tight end, while monitoring wide receivers on days two or three. For better or for worse, the retaining of a veteran like Lazard on a financial loss speaks volumes of the Jets direction in their new leadership duo.
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
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