The New York Jets could still trade veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard, but such a move likely wouldn’t happen until closer to the regular season if the team chooses to go that route, according to a new report.
Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, if the Jets decide to trade Lazard, it likely wouldn’t happen until the end of the preseason.
“If the Jets decide to move Lazard — a big if — it probably wouldn’t be until the end of the preseason,” wrote Cimini. “But only if they’re comfortable with their receiver depth.”
Signed to a four-year $44 million contract ahead of the 2023 season, Lazard has fallen well below expectations.
In 2023, the former Green Bay Packer struggled in 14 games (12 starts), finishing with just 311 receiving yards and one touchdown on 23 receptions. He also battled drop issues; his 17.9% drop rate ranked second-worst among qualified wide receivers, and he committed five penalties.
With Aaron Rodgers back at the helm, his production did increase with 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, but he continued to struggle with drops and penalties, logging a league-worst 17.8% drop rate and committing a career-high six penalties.
Lazard and the Jets agreed on a restructured contract earlier this offseason, slashing his 2025 cap hit from $13.2 million to $4.6 million. The move guarantees him only $1.75 million and clears over $8 million in salary cap space for the Jets.
Now, any team trading for Lazard would take on a modest $2.25 million base salary for 2025, a manageable figure that could make him an appealing option on the market.
If Lazard wants to remain in New York, he’ll need to prove his value this summer.