Struggling Jets WR sees stock continue to plummet after preseason injury

The margin for error was already slim for Allen Lazard, and Saturday night did nothing to help his case. The veteran wide receiver entered the Jets’ preseason opener fighting for a role on the team, but instead of solidifying his place, he struggled to make much of an impact.

Lazard finished the game with two catches for 17 yards but was notably outperformed by a number of other receivers competing for a spot on the team, including the likes of Tyler Johnson, Brandon Smith, Quentin Skinner, and even rookie fourth-round pick Arian Smith.

To make matters worse, Lazard was spotted in the Jets’ locker room after the game wearing a sling and is apparently dealing with a shoulder injury. Head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters he will undergo additional testing to determine its severity.

Not an ideal start to the preseason for the longtime Aaron Rodgers teammate who's still trying to carve out a role in new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand's offense.

Allen Lazard's Jets future is more uncertain than ever

Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets prior to the 2023 season, following Aaron Rodgers to New York. To this day, the Iowa State product has only ever entered a season with the four-time MVP as his starting quarterback.

That is expected to change this season, however. The Jets somewhat surprisingly agreed to a reworked deal with Lazard to keep him on their roster in 2025 this offseason, despite widespread rumors that he was a cut candidate.

The new Jets coaching staff likes Lazard's ability as a run-blocker and clearly sees some value in the eight-year veteran, but he's struggled to stand out this summer.

Lazard entered the spring as the de facto WR2 opposite Garrett Wilson, but free-agent pickup Josh Reynolds seems locked into that role now. Saturday's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers provided notable insight into where he stands in the current pecking order.

While Lazard was out there with the first-team offense, he notably rotated with the likes of Tyler Johnson and rookie Arian Smith. The Jets primarily had Lazard on the field for running plays, while Johnson and/or Smith took his place on passing downs.

On one hand, it indicates the Jets still do have a desired role for Lazard in their offense. But if he's being kept around solely as a blocking specialist who also doesn't contribute on special teams, there are likely others in the receiver room more deserving of a roster spot.

His latest shoulder injury certainly won't help his case to carve out a role and make the 53-man roster, either. At this rate, Lazard’s future in New York feels more uncertain than ever, and Saturday's game did him no favors.

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