The New York Jets have made it clear this offseason they’re moving on from the Aaron Rodgers era, and one more move could further cement that shift.
That move: trading veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard.
Signed to a four-year, $44 million deal in the same offseason Rodgers arrived, Lazard has yet to live up to expectations, to put it lightly.
Given his struggles throughout his first two seasons in New York, the Jets and Lazard recently finalized a reworked contract that slashes the wide receiver’s salary and eases the team’s cap situation.
Lazard accepted an $8.5 million pay cut, dropping his 2025 cap hit from $13.2 million to $4.6 million. Under the new terms, he’s guaranteed just $1.75 million, while the Jets free up more than $8 million in cap space.
Even after Lazard agreed to a restructured contract, the Jets’ best course of action may still be to trade the veteran receiver, and the Pittsburgh Steelers now present a logical landing spot.
With Rodgers officially signing in Pittsburgh, the Jets have a prime opportunity to deal Lazard. Rodgers and Lazard built strong chemistry during their time in Green Bay, and Lazard could provide a familiar target in Pittsburgh’s evolving offense.
Additionally, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Steelers are actively exploring options to add a playmaker, further strengthening the case for trading for Lazard.
The Jets must trade Lazard
Although the Jets are thin at wide receiver, Lazard’s lack of production without Rodgers makes it difficult to justify keeping him on the roster, even at a reduced price.
Now under the direction of head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets must entirely distance themselves from the remnants of the Rodgers era. Parting ways with Lazard is a necessary step in that process.
In 2023, with Rodgers sidelined, Lazard appeared in 14 games (12 starts) but managed just 311 receiving yards and one touchdown on 23 catches. He struggled with drops, as his 17.9% drop rate ranked second-worst among qualified wide receivers, and he committed five penalties.
His production did tick up in 2024 with Rodgers back under center, as the Iowa State product finished with 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. Still, the same issues resurfaced: Lazard posted a league-worst 17.8% drop rate and committed a career-high six penalties.
Thanks to a restructured deal, Lazard’s contract is far more tradable. A team acquiring him would inherit just a $2.25 million base salary for 2025 — a manageable number that could generate interest across the league.
With or without Lazard, the Jets’ receiving corps remains a concern. Behind Garrett Wilson, the group includes Josh Reynolds, Tyler Johnson, Xavier Gipson, Malachi Corley, and rookie Arian Smith. It is a unit with limited proven production.
For the Jets, moving on from Lazard would be an addition by subtraction. With Rodgers now in Pittsburgh, general manager Darren Mougey has a perfect opportunity to shop the veteran wideout, and he shouldn’t think twice.
