A lot has been made all through the primary half of 2024 about how veteran large receiver Allen Lazard endured a tough first season with the New York Jets, a lot in order that some wondered in June if he might discover himself on the chopping block by mid-August though given his shut relationship with beginning quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Lazard is seemingly on strong floor heading into the Jets’ regular-season opener on the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9, although, after he impressing coaches together with his work this offseason.
“He battled knee and shoulder accidents final yr, and that pushed his profession, at 28 years previous, to a little bit of crossroads,” NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports activities Illustrated shared about Lazard in a bit printed Wednesday. “He’s responded with an actual sense of urgency, grinding away with receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, virtually as if to show he’s loads extra than simply Rodgers’ buddy.”
Lazard performed alongside Rodgers with the Inexperienced Bay Packers from 2018 via the 2022 season and the wideout reportedly was on a “want listing” of gamers submitted by Rodgers to the Jets earlier than the receiver signed a four-year contract with the membership final March. The contract is reportedly value as much as $44M with $22M assured.
As with so many members of the New York offense, although, Lazard struggled final season after Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles 4 offensive snaps into the workforce’s Week 1 matchup. Throughout 14 video games, the previous Iowa State standout recorded 23 catches for 311 yards and one landing.
Lazard, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and head coach Robert Saleh all acquired clear slates with a wholesome Rodgers operating the Jets offense for the second straight summer time. Taking full benefit of the contemporary begin will not be sufficient for Lazard to emerge as a dynamic play-maker with the Jets, however he might assist others construct chemistry with Rodgers each earlier than and through the upcoming marketing campaign.
“He’s been like a coach within the room for the youthful receivers, given his expertise from his time with the Packers,” Breer added about Lazard. “So he’s squarely within the combine with rookie Malachi Corley, a rugged run-after-catch man who’ll make some splash performs, and veteran Mike Williams, who’s getting healthy once more.”
With star receiver Garrett Wilson attracting heavy consideration from opposing defenses, Lazard theoretically ought to obtain loads of alternatives this fall to indicate he’s not previous his prime. Breer wrote that Lazard “made some waves this summer time” together with his performances, however it stays to be seen if that pattern will proceed when the video games start to matter.
