Jets finally bring an end to Allen Lazard error as receiver finally gets separation

Former NY Jets GM Joe Douglas has some reasonable success stories in free agency during his time with Gang Green, but one of his biggest misses was choosing to sign former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year contract ahead of the 2023 season.

From the jump, it became clear that without Aaron Rodgers (with whom he has a strange kinship) operating the offense, Lazard is barely an NFL player. After finding himself buried on the depth chart this season, the two parties have finally agreed to part ways so Lazard can find a new home.

For the first time in his Jets career, Lazard has gotten separation. He requested to be released, and the Jets granted that wish. With just 10 catches for 70 yards in the 2025 season, Tanner Engstrand and the Jets fanbase as a whole likely won't be too torn up about it.

Jets finally release struggling veteran WR Allen Lazard

Lazard recorded 788 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his final season with Green Bay, and the Jets were willing to give him a big contract as a potential enticement for Rodgers. Lazard amassed just 911 total receiving yards across three seasons in a Jet uniform.

The 2023 season, piloted by Zach Wilson after Rodgers' injury, saw Lazard catch just 23 passes and one touchdown. While he did have a bit of a resurgence in 2024, catching six touchdown passes when Rodgers returned to the lineup, he's found snaps few and far between under this new regime.

Even without Garrett Wilson in the lineup, the Jets are leaning on Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III as their primary pass-catchers. With return man Isaiah Williams now leading Lazard in receiving yards, it's becoming eminently clear that Aaron Glenn wanted nothing to do with the Iowa State alum.

Lazard will go on waivers, but the 6-5 boundary receiver is likely not going to have a ton of suitors. Fans may make the Pittsburgh Steelers connection due to his past history with Rodgers, and while that may be a bit unlikely, it can't be completely ruled out. We know Rodgers likes his buddies.

Lazard came to the Jets with some degree of hype, but it became obvious immediately that he was not going to live up to that contract. His release marks yet another Douglas-era player. that Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey are washing away in their project to rebuild the Jets.