4 NY Jets players who shouldn't be back next year (but probably will be)

1. Allen Lazard, WR, NY Jets

Based purely on performance, Allen Lazard does not deserve to be on the Jets' roster in 2024. What we saw from Lazard in his first season with the organization has many already labeling him as one of the worst free-agent signings in franchise history.

The Jets signed Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract last March. He received the most guaranteed money of any wide receiver signed last offseason. The Jets had big plans for the former undrafted free agent.

Of course, Lazard was excited about the potential to continue his career with Aaron Rodgers in New York. Rodgers helped Lazard put up a career-high 788 yards and six touchdowns the year prior in Green Bay. What could the two do together with the Jets?

The answer is nothing. Rodgers infamously tore his Achilles four plays into the season, and Lazard proceeded to play the worst football of his professional career over the remainder of the season.

Lazard finished the season with the worst drop rate among all wide receivers with at least 40 targets. Despite his hefty contract, he was rendered a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. His effort was called into question as well.

Unfortunately, the Jets can't feasibly move on from Lazard until after the 2024 season — something that head coach Robert Saleh publicly alluded to last year. The Jets would lose over $6.5 million in cap space by releasing him. It's significantly less expensive to just keep him on the roster.

Barring a sudden and complete turnaround, the Jets will be moving on from Lazard after next season, but he has to remain on the roster for at least one more year.