Allen Lazard trade just makes too much sense for the Jets after latest report

A new report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz may have quietly opened the door for the New York Jets to make a move. Schultz reported Friday that the Pittsburgh Steelers have held preliminary conversations with multiple teams about potentially adding another offensive playmaker.

Yes, that’s the same Steelers team many still believe is waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make his 2025 decision, and if he signs there, a trade for old friend Allen Lazard feels almost inevitable.

Lazard has never played on a team without Rodgers. His revised contract might lead some to believe his place on the Jets' roster is secure, but it only served to make him an even more movable asset.

While the Jets could certainly still use him, they now have a realistic path to move on if the right offer comes along. If Rodgers ends up in Pittsburgh, the dots practically connect themselves.

The NY Jets may have found an Allen Lazard trade partner

Lazard's time in New York has been largely disappointing. Brought in as part of the Rodgers-led overhaul in 2023, the veteran wide receiver was handed a four-year, $44 million contract and dubbed an integral piece of the Jets’ revamped offense.

However, he struggled through a brutal 2023 campaign without Rodgers, finishing with just 23 catches for 311 yards while leading the league in drop rate. He was even a healthy scratch at points late in the year.

Lazard rebounded somewhat in 2024, finishing with 37 catches for 530 yards and six scores, but he once again led the NFL in drop rate. Those persistent drop issues have defined Lazard's Jets career.

In April, Lazard agreed to a restructured contract that cut his 2025 base salary from $11 million to $2.25 million, with just $1.75 million guaranteed. The final year of his deal was voided, making him a free agent after the season.

While that gave Lazard short-term security, it also gave the Jets flexibility. If traded after June 1, he’d cost just $2.18 million in dead money, while his new team would owe only $2.43 million. That's an extremely team-friendly contract.

The Jets could justify keeping him. Outside of Garrett Wilson, their receiver room is thin. Lazard and Josh Reynolds are likely competing for the WR2 spot, with names like Tyler Johnson, Arian Smith, Malachi Corley, and Xavier Gipson rounding out the group.

Lazard remains a capable NFL receiver and arguably the team’s second-best option. Still, if the Jets can get draft capital and free up snaps for younger players, a trade could make sense, especially now.

Enter Aaron Rodgers. The future Hall of Famer has yet to announce his 2025 plans. His only major offseason appearance came on The Pat McAfee Show, where he criticized the Jets but gave no hint about whether he’ll return. If he does, the Steelers remain the most likely landing spot.

Pittsburgh, according to Schultz, has already begun exploring wide receiver trade options. If Rodgers ends up there, it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t want Lazard joining him.

Lazard has never played a season without Rodgers, and if the reunion is on the table, the Jets may not need to shop him. The offer could come to them.

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