This offseason, the Green Bay Packers parted ways with a number of former players. Of course, Aaron Rodgers made headlines when he was traded by the Packers to the New York Jets just days before the 2023 NFL Draft.
Several other veterans who were let go by the Packers ended up signing elsewhere. Among them were Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Adrian Amos, Dean Lowry, Robert Tonyan, and Marcedes Lewis. While many expected them to find success outside of Green Bay, one is beginning to realize that this may not be the case.
Allen Lazard, a former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, was benched and then insulted by head coach Robert Saleh.
The Jets unexpectedly scratched receiver Allen Lazard for Friday’s game against the Dolphins.
The player, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract as a free agent, was not available for comment on Friday. Because the Jets, specifically coach Robert Saleh, did not believe he was good enough to play today.
“Obviously, my decision,” Saleh said after the 34-13 defeat. “There are some things that we all need to work on, including him.” He’ll be here for the next year and a half. He’ll be involved in this. I just wanted to make sure that one, I wanted to give some of the young guys a chance to play, and two, it’s a challenge to see if he can reclaim the edge and who he is and the person in whom we have a lot of faith. He’s an excellent football player. That is something I believe. Allen will return sooner rather than later.”
When asked if he believes Lazard has lost his edge, Saleh revised his message.
“Edge is probably the wrong word,” Saleh suggested. “I apologize. I’ll speak on his behalf. He hasn’t been performing to his potential. Everyone is putting pressure on that side of the ball to get something done. There are aspects of his game that need to improve.”
To be honest, most of the team’s starting offense would have been inactive today, and most days. It’s not surprising. The entire team was designed around Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers also played four snaps. And with a 4-7 record, there’s no reason for Rodgers to return this season.
As to Lazard, the Jets have no choice but to keep him through 2024. After that, they’ll surely cut the cord. Until then, they’ll hope that Rodgers’s return next year will turn everything around.
Lazard Spend His First Five Years In Green Bay
Lazard caught 169 passes for 2,236 yards and 20 touchdowns in five seasons with the Packers. Despite a slow rookie season, Lazard improved over time and had a career year in 2022 as Aaron Rodgers’ go-to target.
Rodgers was clearly influential in Lazard’s decision to join the Jets this offseason. Rodgers’ absence for the entire season has undoubtedly had an impact on Lazard’s performance. Lazard would have received more targets if Rodgers had been at the helm all season.
It has been an unfortunate turn for both Rodgers and Lazard, but I expect the pair to try to regain some of that fire in 2024.
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