With the fallout between the New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers this offseason, things looked dicey for the players brought in to please the QB we've playfully labeled "the unofficial assistant GM.''
The first domino fell with the Jets releasing Davante Adams. Many believed that Allen Lazard would follow suit. Instead, however, Lazard took an $8.5 million pay cut to remain with the Jets.
Lazard was brought in to pair with his longtime quarterback Rodgers in 2023. Lazard had a rough start in New York, making just 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown, all of which were career-lows outside of his rookie season where he played just one snap.
Lazard struggled to get open, struggled to connect with Zach Wilson, and struggled to catch the ball. His 8.2 percent drop percentage was the eighth-worst mark in the NFL among wide receivers. Lazard also had five penalties that year, and converted on just four of his 17 contested catches, leading to him being benched for two games.
With Rodgers throwing the ball, Lazard looked a little better in 2024. In 12 games, Lazard had 37 catches for 530 yards and six touchdowns.Lazard's contested catch rate of 57.1 percent was a much more favorable mark than his first year in New York. His drop and penalty problems still persisted, with a career-high eight drops and six penalties.
After months of uncertainty, Lazard's future with the Jets looked unclear, despite the contract restructure. Indeed, one school of rumored thought was that the receiver would follow his pal Rodgers to Pittsburgh.
But ...
Jets' offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand praised Lazard on Wednesday, and indicated that he'll be remaining a Jet.
“Allen has done a remarkable job trying to learn the system." Engstrand said. "It’s been really nice to have him.”
Even throughout his struggles as a receiver in the NFL, Lazard has always maintained consistent playing time through his blocking. Lazard has posted Pro Football Focus blocking grades of 69.8 or higher in five of his last six NFL seasons. The ability to block as a skill player is something head coach Aaron Glenn values greatly.
Unfortunately, the lone exception to Lazard's great blocking grades was last season, where he posted a career-low 52.2 mark. If Lazard wants to get in the good graces of Glenn and Engstrand, he'll have to return to his usual form in the blocking game.