New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard agrees to take a pay cut to stay with the team this upcoming 2025 season. According to reports, it looks like the Jets are keeping Aaron Rodgers’s favorite target longer after permitting him to seek a trade earlier this offseason. Lazard had one of the worst seasons in the league last year, so it’s no surprise that the Jets are restructuring his contract to save them cap space to use for other moves. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Iowa State product had the door open for his return to New York as there was an assumption the team would release him if they couldn’t find a trade partner.
This wasn’t the case, but it doesn’t mean the team won’t trade him at all, as they could still listen to potential trade offers in the draft. Lazard taking the pay cut is more of saying “he’s not a part of the long-term plans,” so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Jets trade him before the 2025 season. The team did release Davante Adams since they’re planning to build around Garrett Wilson and new free-agent signee quarterback Justin Fields.
This is the route the team will take to push themselves for a potential playoff appearance as they’re hoping Fields will lead them there. Meanwhile, Lazard isn’t the same consistent he once was in Green Bay, but these three teams could pursue him in the draft.
REPORT: Former Packer Legend Allen Lazard Takes Pay Cut, Could Still Seek Trade?
3 Logical Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
As of this posting, the Los Angeles Chargers have one of the worst groups of pass-catchers in the league. Mike Williams is way past his prime to even make an impact with quarterback Justin Herbert, who continues to thrive either way in the pocket. He might be a liability, so the team should consider trading or signing a new weapon that’s not in the draft. They will probably draft one anyway since the 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey has been working out, but they need a new answer that can help McConkey in the aerial attack.
Quentin Johnston will likely get cut this season, as the wide receiver has yet to show he can be a reliable playmaker for this offense. Herbert could easily get this team back in the AFC Championship Game in a while if he has help. Lazard might not make much of a difference, but he does provide another set of reliability to throw to.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker showed signs of long-term potential, but they’re still unproven. Adam Thielen is returning for what could be his last season in the league, and they can’t depend on him too much because of injuries. Lazard has those issues as well, but the wide receiver has many years ahead of him and has the same characteristics that might match up Coker and Legette to finally give a boost for quarterback Bryce Young.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys need a wide receiver in the worst way possible. After losing Brandin Cooks, it’s concerning that the team has been reluctant to add a potential veteran who can help star CeeDee Lamb. Lazard might not be the final solution, but he’s better than having no capable wideout, even though Jalen Tolbert has some type of upside.
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