NY Jets officially sign WR Allen Lazard, fueling Aaron Rodgers rumors

Justin Fried

NY Jets, Allen Lazard / Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets have made their first free-agent signing of the offseason, and it's a player they've reportedly been eyeing for a while now, wide receiver Allen Lazard.

The Score's Jordan Schultz is reporting that the Jets have signed Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract with $22 million in guarantees. Schultz adds that signing Lazard would help the Jets close the deal with Rodgers.

Lazard made it clear this offseason that he was hoping to follow Rodgers to his next destination. He hinted at it on social media and numerous reports suggested that Lazard wants to go where Rodgers went.

Now that Lazard is officially on the Jets, it's safe to assume that the Jets are very close to an agreement with Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. A trade should be on the horizon.

Allen Lazard should replace Corey Davis on the NY Jets

Lazard is a big-bodied red-zone threat who also doubles as an excellent run blocker. He's an obvious replacement for Corey Davis who is expected to be released this offseason. The Lazard signing should make that move official.

The former Iowa State star put together a career year in 2022, finishing with 60 catches for 788 yards and six touchdowns. He's hauled in 14 touchdowns over the last two seasons, all with Rodgers throwing him the ball.

Now, the attention will turn to players like Randall Cobb, Marcedes Lewis, and, of course, Odell Beckham Jr. who are all reportedly on Rodgers' free-agency wishlist for the Jets.

The Jets have signed one of Rodgers' favorite targets. We're as close to a trade resolution as we've been at any point this offseason.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.