Well, Allen Lazard might be wearing a New York Jets uniform in 2025 after all.
At least that’s what Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s latest comments could indicate.
On day No. 2 of Jets’ mandatory minicamp, Engstrand praised Lazard’s “remarkable” effort to learn the new playbook and added, “It has been really nice to have him [Lazard],” per Jets X-Factor’s Nick Faria.
Heading into the offseason, Lazard still had two years left on the four-year, $44 million contract he signed in 2023. In April, however, the wide receiver took an $8.5 million pay cut as part of a reworked deal.
Since signing with Gang Green, Lazard has largely fallen short of expectations in New York. Brought in to complement former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers, Lazard hasn’t found a steady presence in the Jets offense.
In a brutal 2023 campaign, Lazard managed just 23 receptions on 49 targets for 311 yards and one touchdown across 14 games. He committed five drops, drew five penalties, and converted only 4 of 17 contested catches, which helped lead to the receiver being benched for two games.
The former Packer showed a modest improvement in 2024 with Rodgers as his quarterback all season. He hauled in 37 of 60 targets for 530 yards and six touchdowns, with a much-improved contested catch rate of 57.1% in 12 games.
Unfortunately, his drop and penalty woes persisted, posting a career-high eight drops and six penalties.
After months of uncertainty, Allen Lazard’s future with the New York Jets remains unclear, but the picture is beginning to look clearer. At the very least, Aaron Glenn and his coaching staff will always appreciate his blocking prowess.