Jets release receiver Allen Lazard after three seasons, citing limited production and a shifting offensive scheme. Roster opens amid quarterback injuries.
Jets Release Allen Lazard
The New York Jets announced the release of veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard on Tuesday. The decision came after a season where his role on the roster diminished significantly. With three games left in the regular season, the 30-year-old will be free to sign with another team. Lazard had only 10 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown this season, and he appeared in just 10 games after being buried on the depth chart. The Jets had signed him in 2023 to a four-year, $44 million contract, a month before he reunited with Aaron Rodgers. The contract was part of the Jets’ biggest offseason moves in 2023. The release also opens a roster spot that could be used to address depth at other positions.
Performance Over Three Seasons
During the season that Rodgers was lost to a torn Achilles tendon, Lazard finished with 23 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown in 14 games. That season was his first with the Jets, and he showed instant chemistry with Rodgers in training camp. When Rodgers returned in 2023, Lazard’s production improved to 37 receptions for 530 yards and six scores in 12 games. Despite the improvement, Lazard never quite met the impact the Jets had expected. In the most recent season, his numbers dropped to 10 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown over 10 games. Lazard’s production in 2023 was his highest yardage total with the Jets. The drop in production in the latest season suggests a mismatch between expectations and on-field output.
Contract and Expectations
The four-year, $44 million contract signed in 2023 was a significant investment for the Jets. It was signed a month before the trade that brought Aaron Rodgers to New York. The Jets hoped that Lazard would be a primary target for Rodgers, similar to their partnership in Green Bay. Lazard had career highs with 60 catches and 788 yards receiving in 2022 before signing with the Jets as a free agent. He was regarded as an excellent blocker, but also had a reputation for dropping passes. The contract was part of the Jets’ strategy to acquire proven talent in the offseason.
Coaching and Offensive Scheme
After Aaron Glenn took over as coach, Lazard agreed to restructure his contract to remain on the team. However, he did not have a role in new coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s offense this season. The Jets were in desperate need of a playmaker with Justin Fields struggling as the starting quarterback. Garrett Wilson has been on injured reserve since last month with a knee injury, but that did not boost Lazard’s opportunities. Instead, Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III, both acquired before the trade deadline last month, emerged as regulars in the offense. The lack of a defined role for Lazard under Engstrand’s system contributed to his reduced production.
Other Roster Moves
The Jets also announced they released quarterback Adrian Martinez from the practice squad. This move signaled that Tyrod Taylor (groin) or Justin Fields (knee) could be close to returning from injuries. Undrafted rookie Brady Cook got his first NFL start last Sunday at Jacksonville, a 48-20 loss, because of the injuries to Taylor and Fields. Cook was 22 of 33 for 176 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions. Martinez, who was re-signed last week to the practice squad, was Cook’s backup and did not play. The Jets signed linebacker Ochaun Mathis to take Martinez’s spot on the practice squad. The release of Martinez was part of the Jets’ broader efforts to manage the depth chart.
Key Takeaways
- Jets released Allen Lazard after three seasons, citing limited production and a shifting offensive scheme.
- Lazard’s best season with the Jets was 2023, with 37 catches for 530 yards and six touchdowns.
- The Jets made several roster changes, including releasing Adrian Martinez and signing Ochaun Mathis.
- The Jets must address depth at wide receiver and quarterback positions.
The release of Allen Lazard marks a significant shift for the Jets as they adjust their offensive lineup amid quarterback injuries and a new coaching staff. The team will evaluate its options as the season progresses.
