Jets trying to sign Allen Lazard, a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers | What it means

The NFL world and the Jets are still waiting for official word from Aaron Rodgers about his future. But all signs continue to point to an eventual trade to the Jets, including another one Tuesday morning.

ESPN reported that the Jets are “actively working” to sign Packers free agent Allen Lazard, who just so happens to be one of Rodgers’ favorite targets in Green Bay. Lazard caught 167 passes for 2,209 yards and 19 touchdowns from Rodgers over the past four seasons.

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Obviously, it’s an encouraging sign as the Jets continue to pursue Rodgers a week after a team contingent including ownership, coaches and the front office flew cross-country to meet with the quarterback. The Jets are the only known suitor the Packers have granted permission to speak to Rodgers.

But Lazard would be a good addition to the Jets in his own right.

The 27-year-old has been on an upward trend since he entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa State in 2018. would have the chance to reunite with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who oversaw his development in Green Bay from 2019-21 the first three seasons Lazard saw major playing time.

At 6-foot-5 he’s a big target who would be a great complement to Garrett Wilson who will be looking to build on his breakout rookie year. And he should help Elijah Moore as he tries to bounce back from a rough sophomore season. Lazard is coming off the best season of his career, setting personal bets with 60 receptions and 788 yards. He also had six touchdowns to get to 14 over the past two seasons.

Adding Lazard would likely mean Corey Davis’ time with the Jets is over. The Jets can save $10.5 million by cutting Davis before the final season of the three-year, $37.5 million deal he signed in 2020. It hasn’t worked out for Davis with the Jets, as injuries have limited him to a total of 66 catches for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns in 22 games over two years.

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Andy Vasquez may be reached at avasquez@njadvancemedia.com.

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