Would it be meaningful for Allen Lazard to show that he can succeed without Aaron Rodgers?
When asked that question after Tuesday’s training camp practice, the New York Jets’ veteran wideout responded bluntly, “Yeah. That’s pretty obvious.”
Lazard does not believe his effort and production will waver based on who is under center.
“My success isn’t determined off of who’s throwing me the ball. I want to go out there and be great regardless of the other 10 guys out there. It’s the pride that I have by putting that jersey on, wearing the name on my back, but also representing the organization that I’m playing for.
“Whoever’s throwing me the ball, I am going to go out there and compete the same way, whether that’s Aaron or not. I’ve done that my whole career. Not just the NFL; college, high school. There’s a reason why I’m still here. It’s not because I had Aaron Rodgers throw me the ball my whole life.”
When the Jets signed Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract in the same offseason Aaron Rodgers came to town, expectations were high. But two underwhelming seasons later, both sides have hit the reset button.
In an effort to stay on the roster and help the team’s financial flexibility, Lazard agreed to a significant pay cut. The veteran receiver shaved $8.5 million off his 2025 salary, reducing his cap hit from $13.2 million to $4.6 million.
Under the revised deal, Lazard is guaranteed just $1.75 million, creating over $8 million in cap relief for New York.
While Lazard insists his play doesn’t rely on the quarterback, his numbers from the 2023 season suggest otherwise. Without Rodgers, Lazard managed just 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown over 14 games. His 17.9% drop rate was the worst among wideouts with at least 40 targets, and his five penalties only added to a disappointing season.
With Rodgers now in Pittsburgh, Lazard enters a critical year, looking to prove he can stand on his own and that his production isn’t tied to a future Hall of Famer.
