Florham Park, NJ – Wide receiver allen lazard he signed with new york jets Due to a strong affinity for the “bright lights” of the city and his new offensive coordinator. Then, of course, there’s the life-changing money. And one more thing.
“Obviously, standing here today, it feels good to know that 12 is going to be my quarterback again,” Lazard said on a Zoom call with reporters on Friday.
lazard spoke east green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers As if their reunion is a done deal. Not quite, as the Jets and Packers are negotiating trade compensation and a restructured contract. On Wednesday, Rodgers said he “intends” to play for the Jets in 2023. A trade is expected, although nothing is imminent.
After five seasons with the Packers, the 27-year-old Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets. He said he recently spoke with Rodgers at a fitness facility in Los Angeles where they both train in the offseason. Lazard indicated that his decision to play for the Jets was not dependent on Rodgers’ decision.
“As a wide receiver, the best relationship you can have is with the quarterback and his relationship with me has been phenomenal,” Lazard said. “Obviously, there’s a hunch that he’s coming here, but … after the season, after the last game, in the locker room, I mentioned that I needed to worry about myself and do what’s best for me. Yes, and I can.” Don’t worry about other people.
“Me and my decision to come here was purely based on him and making sure I’m doing the best I can for my career. Obviously, having him here, it definitely gives the whole organization the next step.” Helps to be able to lift, makes a deep one.” Make a playoff run and win the Lombardi Trophy.”
Lazard’s choice will please Rodgers.
During discussions with the Jets last week, he made a stellar recommendation of Lazard, who set career highs last season with 60 receptions and 788 yards. Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday, Rodgers said, “I think, objectively, a lot of people can look at Alan Lazard and say, ‘He’s a really good player.’ Would love to have you in my team.'”
The Jets now have four, maybe five starting-caliber receivers at Lazard, Garrett Wilson, corey davis, Elijah Moore And denzel mims, Davis, who has an $11.2 million cap charge, could be expendable.
Considering Rogers is the quarterback, Lazard likes the Jets’ chances in the AFC. When asked about the team’s ceiling, he said, “With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, winning is always a thing. That being said, it really is the Super Bowl.”
Lazard has come a long way from being cut, to being undrafted out of Iowa State jacksonville jaguars and even being cut by the Packers. He eventually established himself with some help from Rodgers.
“He really put his arm around me and he’s a big reason why I’m here today,” he said. “I can’t deny it. He stood a table for me during training camp when I probably didn’t deserve to make the roster — at least in the eyes of the front office. He called me to be in the game on me.” And trusted me in many high pressure situations and always believed in me.”
Lazard also gave credit to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who served in the same position for the Packers from 2019 to 2021. Hackett was also on Jaguar’s staff while at Lazard.
“He’s the best teacher of my life,” Lazard said. “And that goes from school to football.”