Allen Lazard comfortable to hitch Jets; Aaron Rodgers entry eyes

Florham Park, NJ – Large receiver Allen Lazard mentioned he signed with the New York Jets due to the “vibrant lights” of the town and a robust affinity for the brand new offensive coordinator. Then, after all, there’s the life-altering cash. And yet one more factor.

“Clearly, standing right here at present, it feels good realizing that 12 goes to be a quarterback once more,” Lazard mentioned Friday on a Zoom convention name with reporters.

Lazard has spoken of his former Inexperienced Bay Packers teammate, Aaron Rodgers, as if their reunion was a completed deal. Not fairly, because the Jets and Packers are negotiating industrial compensation and a restructured contract. On Wednesday, Rodgers mentioned his “intent” is to play for the Jets in 2023. A deal is anticipated, although nothing is forthcoming.

After 5 seasons with the Packers, Lazard, 27, signed a four-year, $44 million contract extension with the Jets. He mentioned he and Rodgers not too long ago spoke at a health facility in Los Angeles, the place they each prepare within the low season. Lazard indicated that his resolution to play for the Jets was not contingent on Rodgers deciding the identical.

“As a large receiver, the most effective relationship you may have is with a quarterback and the connection I’ve with him has been distinctive,” mentioned Lazard. “Clearly there’s an inclination he’s going to come back right here, however … after the season, after the final recreation, within the dressing room, I discussed how I ought to fear about myself and deal with what’s finest for me and I can’t fear about different folks.”

“My resolution to come back right here was fully based mostly on that and ensuring that I’m doing what’s finest for my profession. Clearly, having him right here, positively helps the entire group to have the ability to take the following step, make a profound distinction, run within the playoffs and go on and win the Lombardi Cup.” “.

Selecting Lazard would make Rodgers comfortable.

Throughout discussions final week with the Jets, he delivered a glowing advice from Lazard, who posted profession highs final season with 60 receptions and 788 receiving yards. Talking Wednesday on “The Pat McAfee Present,” Rodgers mentioned, “I feel, objectively, lots of people can take a look at Allen Lazard and go, ‘He’s a very good participant. We wish to embrace him in our workforce.”

The Jets now have 4, perhaps 5 beginning caliber receivers in Lazard, Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, Elijah Moore and Denzel Mims. Davis, whose charge is $11.2 million, may very well be very expendable.

Assuming Rodgers is the beginning quarterback, Lazard would love the Jets’ probabilities within the AFC. When requested in regards to the workforce’s cap, he mentioned, “With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the potential for successful is all the time one thing. With that being mentioned, it truly is the Tremendous Bowl.”

Lazard has come a great distance from being an unsubscriber from Iowa, being lower by the Jacksonville Jaguars and even being lower by the Packers. Ultimately he established himself, with some assist from Rodgers.

“He actually put his arm round me and he’s an enormous cause I’m right here at present,” he mentioned. “I can’t deny it. He stood at a desk for me throughout coaching camp after I most likely didn’t should be on the roster – a minimum of in entrance workplace eyes. He invited me to be within the recreation. He relied on me in a variety of high-pressure conditions and believed in me.” all the time “.

Lazard additionally credited offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who served in the identical place with the Packers from 2019 to 2021. Hackett was additionally on the Jaguars workers throughout Lazard’s tenure there.

“He’s the most effective instructor I’ve ever had,” mentioned Lazard. “And that is from college to soccer.”