Robert Saleh hints at the NY Jets releasing Allen Lazard with wild postgame quote

NY Jets head coach Robert Saleh is normally one to protect his players. He typically shields his players from criticism when speaking to the media. That was not the case with Allen Lazard following Friday's ugly loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Lazard was benched by Saleh prior to Friday's game after a series of lackluster performances. When asked about it after the game, Saleh insisted that it was his decision and said the quiet part out loud in regard to Lazard's future with the team.

"He's gonna be here for the next year-and-a-half. He's gonna be a part of this."

- Robert Saleh

Saleh told reporters that Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets this offseason, would be "here for the next year-and-a-half." That's certainly a telling comment about a player who's supposed to be under contract for the next 3+ years.

The Jets have an out in Lazard's contract after the 2024 season, which seems to be what Saleh's alluding to here. That certainly suggests that the Jets would release Lazard right now if it were financially feasible.

The NY Jets already appear to be done with Allen Lazard

The Jets signed Lazard to serve as their de facto WR2 this offseason. The hope was that Lazard would be able to capitalize on his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers and provide the team with a capable offensive weapon.

Instead, Lazard has been a liability in pretty much every facet of the offense. The former Green Bay Packers wide receiver leads all qualified receivers with a 20.0 percent drop rate in 10 games this season.

Because of that, few were surprised when Lazard was benched this week. Unfortunately for the Jets, they're stuck with him for the next 1.5 years, as Saleh alluded to.

The Jets don't have an out in his contract until after the 2024 season, and even then, it would cost the team over $6.5 million to release him. That's the result of giving Lazard the most guaranteed money of any wide receiver in free agency this offseason.

Saleh said the quiet part out loud here. He essentially told reporters that the Jets are stuck with him on their roster. He publicly hinted that the Jets plan to move on from him the moment they are financially able to.

The Jets are done with Allen Lazard. If Robert Saleh is saying it, you know it's true.