Jets may retain receiver Allen Lazard despite trade talks

The New York Jets are reportedly considering keeping veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard on their roster. This decision surprises many, as there were expectations he would be released before free agency. Lazard had been given permission to seek a trade, but no deal was reached. Despite a high cap charge of $13.2 million, the Jets might retain Lazard. The current free agent market lacks proven receivers, making it sensible to keep him. ESPN noted that Lazard and fellow receiver Garrett Wilson are the only players on the team with more than one touchdown reception last season. Lazard joined the Jets to reconnect with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, his former teammate on the Green Bay Packers. In his last season with the Packers, Lazard had a standout year. However, his performance with the Jets has been inconsistent, totaling only 841 receiving yards over two seasons. Still, he showed promise early in the 2024 season with a strong performance against the Buffalo Bills. However, he missed several weeks, which raised questions about his future. The Jets might look to restructure Lazard's contract to make it more manageable. With Wilson as the primary receiver, the Jets need reliable depth. The team's approach to Lazard's situation will be watched closely as free agency continues. His future with the Jets remains uncertain, but his connection to Rodgers could play a significant role in the team's decision.