Latest news with #AllenLazard
Yahoo
17 hours ago
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- Yahoo
Aaron Rodgers to sign with Steelers — will Jets WR Allen Lazard follow him to Pittsburgh?
Aaron Rodgers is headed to the Steel City — and it seems like only a matter of time until one of his closest friends, WR Allen Lazard, joins the Pittsburgh Steelers as well. According to multiple reports — first brought to light by insider Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Rodgers will sign a contract on Friday and attend mandatory minicamp next week. Advertisement Before the Rodgers news, NBC's Mike Florio had plenty to say about the potential arrival of Lazard — considering the Steelers "in play" to make the trade. Since entering the NFL in 2018, Lazard has never spent a season apart from Rodgers — having played with him during their time on both the Packers and the Jets. Rodgers has proven he can unlock the best in his most trusted receivers — and a potential reunion on the Steelers would do wonders for the offense. Will Pittsburgh ultimately trade for Lazard — or are Rodgers' part-time GM days behind him? For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers to sign Aaron Rodgers, will they pursue Jets WR Allen Lazard?
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Insider reveals new Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers played huge role in George Pickens trade
Aaron Rodgers is finally a Pittsburgh Steeler — but at what cost? According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, acquiring the four-time MVP may have come at the expense of WR George Pickens, as the Steelers were allegedly worried about the dynamic between the two larger-than-life personalities — ultimately leading to his trade to the Dallas Cowboys: Advertisement "Staying with Pittsburgh-related matters, the Steelers moved on from Pickens for a few reasons. His maturity issues were well-known within Pittsburgh's locker room and front office. So, the Steelers made the evaluation that Pickens and Rodgers probably would not hit it off." Considering Rodgers' infamous red line incident with then-Jets WR Mike Williams, and Pickens' consistent on- and off-the-field behavior, it was probably for the best that Pittsburgh decided to cut ties with their wide receiver earlier than his projected 2026 exit — avoiding a character conflict in the locker room. Will the Steelers ultimately acquire one of Rodgers' former teammates, like Jets WR Allen Lazard, to alleviate some of the growing pains? Or will Pittsburgh rely on the in-house wideouts to replace Pickens' productivity? For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers led to George Pickens trade, per insider
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets Have 'Clear-Cut Favorite' For No. 2 WR Role Behind Garrett Wilson
Jets Have 'Clear-Cut Favorite' For No. 2 WR Role Behind Garrett Wilson originally appeared on Athlon Sports. We are at the time of the NFL offseason, where players trend up or down the depth chart, and for the New York Jets, the receiver position is a fascinating watch. Advertisement With Garrett Wilson the clear top dog, it is a little jumbled behind him with Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, Malachi Corley, Arian Smith and Tyler Johnson all vying for snaps. As OTAs have been completed and minicamp wrapped up last week, the Jets' receiver depth chart is beginning to take shape slowly. ESPN's Rich Cimini, in giving his takeaways from minicamp, came away with a clear vision of who the No. 2 receiver is. "Josh Reynolds is the clear-cut favorite for the WR2 job, ahead of Allen Lazard, whose name will continue to circulate in trade rumors now that Rodgers has landed with the Steelers," Cimini wrote. "If the Jets decide to move Lazard -- a big if -- it probably wouldn't be until the end of the preseason. But only if they're comfortable with their receiver depth." Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds runs the ball during the first half against the L.A. Rams at Ford Field in Detroit on Jan. 14, 2024. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Reynolds has skin on the wall with Tanner Engstrand, whom he spent time with while in Detroit, so he knows the system and knows what his coordinator wants. Advertisement And it seems to be paying off early. Granted, receivers aren't going against anyone "properly" at OTAs and minicamp, with limited physical contact, so training camp will be an interesting watch to see if Reynolds can continue his ascent and claim the No. 2 receiver role behind Wilson. Yes, it's early, but it isn't a good look for Lazard to be overtaken already, and that might point to his Jets future being elsewhere, as Cimini stated. Which, going by how Reynolds has fared so far this offseason, might not be such a bad thing. Related: 'I'm One Of The Best in NFL' Claims Jets' Breece Hall Related: Glenn Clears Air on Breece Hall Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
New York Jets Coach Reveals Potential Allen Lazard Plan
New York Jets Coach Reveals Potential Allen Lazard Plan originally appeared on Athlon Sports. 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.'' Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Related: Lions' Dan Campbell Gets Credit for Jets Offseason Moves Related: Jets' Aaron Glenn Describes Perfect Leader This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Do the Jets have enough depth in their receiving corps?
Oct 14, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images Oct 14, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images The Jets have a hole on their roster at wide receiver. Garrett Wilson is leading the corps for the Jets as the top option, but behind him, there are a lot of question marks. The Jets have a few wide receivers on the roster who could boom The Jets have a couple of veteran options that will be getting a look this season, including Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds. Out of those two, the most intriguing option is Josh Reynolds, who is only two seasons removed from his best campaign with the Lions. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The Jets' new head coach and offensive coordinator are coming over from the Lions. The connection between them and Reynolds is not a coincidence, but more of a praise. Advertisement Reynolds, in his 2023 campaign, posted 608 yards, five touchdowns, and averaged 15.2 yards per reception. Being on a team full of offensive stars, Reynolds still found a way to be a reliable option for Jared Goff, and this upcoming season could be exactly that for Justin Fields. Some younger players are also looking to get more opportunities, including Malachi Corley and Arian Smith. Arian Smith could be a big piece in this offense. When running a top offense, it's important to have a burner who can find his way open down the field. Smith, although he does have major drop problems, can be exactly that. Smith brings speed and versatility, which the Jets have not had in recent times. Can the Jets look towards a move through free agency? There are a couple of pieces out in free agency that may be a bit enticing, but one stands out as a fit. Advertisement Keenan Allen is a reliable veteran who would be a major upgrade on this Jets team. He is a smooth route runner who has sure hands. Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images With a lot of younger weapons at the pass-catching positions, Allen would bring veteran leadership for a team looking for a WR2. He brings experience, scheme versatility, and a good presence to a roster. Although I would like the Jets to make a move like this, I do not think they will make another move in free agency that would be as big as Allen. They feel comfortable with this receiving corps, and throughout OTAs and training camp, we will be able to get a look at the unit's ability to perform. Advertisement Related Headlines
