Analyzing the Jets’ signing of WR Allen Lazard

The only player from outside the organization reported to have agreed to terms with the Jets during the so-called “legal tampering window” was former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard. 

The Jets reportedly signed the 27-year-old to a four-year deal. Here’s more on the Jets’ newest pass-catching weapon.

Getting to know the Jets’ new receiver

Lazard’s NFL career began with some adversity as he went unselected in the 2018 NFL Draft. On paper, it was difficult to see why this might be the case, as his size, athletic ability and collegiate production were all impressive. However, teams reportedly weren’t convinced that he had NFL speed -- despite a decent-for-his-size 4.55 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine -- and had concerns over his hands and toughness.

Originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent, Lazard failed to make their roster and spent most of his rookie season on their practice squad. The Packers picked him up in December and he saw his first NFL action with them but caught just one pass in his only appearance.

In 2019, the Packers hired current Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and, over the next three seasons, Lazard established himself as a solid third or fourth option in the passing game, while also impressing with his downfield blocking. He started 13 games and caught a career-high eight touchdown passes in Hackett’s final season with the team in 2021.

2022 was a career year for Lazard, who became one of Aaron Rodgers’ primary targets following the departure of Davante Adams in the offseason. Lazard played in 15 games, starting all of them, and ended up with 60 catches for 788 yards and six touchdowns.

With Rodgers now expected to be traded to the Jets, it looks likely that Lazard will be reunited with both Rodgers and Hackett in New York.

Where does he fit?

Wide receiver wasn’t considered a major priority for the Jets heading into the offseason but with Corey Davis considered a potential cap casualty and Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore each having requested trades last season, the Jets are obviously thinking ahead to who they can rely on in the longer term.

Of course, the other major aspect to this is that Lazard played virtually his entire career with Rodgers in Green Bay and was reportedly one of the players Rodgers expressed a desire to play with if he was going to play for the Jets.

With or without Rodgers – Lazard’s combination of size (6-foot-5) and athleticism (38-inch vertical) bring a new dimension to the Jets’ offense. He should provide a good complement to Garrett Wilson and could theoretically be the best deep threat on the team. In addition, he is a good red zone threat with 15 red zone touchdowns in his career, including four last season. Eight of these red zone scores came from inside the five-yard line.

Impacting others

With Lazard now in the fold, speculation will intensify as to whether the likes of Moore and Davis will remain with the team in 2023. Davis is in the last year of his contract and has an $11.2 million cap number so he could be the more likely of the two to be moved. However, the Jets appreciate his veteran leadership and he could be amenable to a pay cut. As for Moore, who would presumably relish the opportunity to play with Rodgers, he would likely see more action out of the slot if he remained with the team.

Based on multiple reports, there may yet be some other pass catchers with links to Rodgers that could also be brought into the mix.

Contract specifics

Lazard’s deal will pay him $44 million over four years, with $22 million guaranteed. This looks like a reasonable price point for the veteran as he is coming off a career year and about to enter his prime. For comparison’s sake, the contract the Jets gave to Davis in 2020 was for $12.5 million per year, albeit a year shorter.