Jets' path to Allen Lazard trade became crystal clear after Aaron Rodgers news

The New York Jets are still recovering from the wreckage of the Aaron Rodgers failure, as wide receiver Allen Lazard sticking around represents one of the few holdovers from this ill-fated two-season stretch that New York hasn't been able to find a team to move him to.

Rodgers could play a part in helping Lazard find his new destination, as the long-expected move of him joining Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers has officially come to fruition. Rodgers will try to join the team ahead of minicamp, which he didn't always do with the Jets.

Rodgers, like any Hall of Fame quarterback, is going to make very specific demands of his new coaching staff. If he wants a certain player who knows what he wants to do offensively, the front office may bend to his wishes.

Lazard can be had for the right trade package, Rodgers wants one of "his guys" in his new destination, and the Steelers would like more wide receiver help. It seems very likely that these two parties could come together on some sort of trade package.

Jets could trade Allen Lazard to Steelers after Aaron Rodgers news

Lazard was better in 2024 than he was in 2023, catching six touchdowns in 12 games, but that can be explained as a byproduct of having the still-competent Rodgers under center instead of Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle. Lazard is by no means an above-average WR2 in the NFL at this stage of his career.

The Steelers have been very blatant in their desire to acquire more pass-catchers, signing DK Metcalf to a huge contract while making very public overtures for players like Jonnu Smith and Gabe Davis. Lazard has a history with Rodgers, which appears to often usurp talent whenever the future Hall of Famer gets a say in roster moves.

Trading Lazard would get the Jets back a Day 3 pick while also giving their young players more snaps in what will be a rebuilding season. Fans can find out immediately if Malachi Corley and Arian Smith can play with Justin Fields, while Rodgers gets his safety blanket in Lazard back into the fold.

It remains baffling as to exactly why Rodgers believes a thoroughly average player like Lazard is so invaluable to how he wants to run his offense, but that desire to link back up with the beefy wideout could end up forcing a trade to happen.

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