The New York Jets have officially released wide receiver Allen Lazard, drawing a definitive line under the ill-fated Aaron Rodgers experiment. The move comes as the struggling franchise, holding a dismal 3-11 record, shifts its focus towards evaluating young talent for the future.
The End of a Costly Gamble
This decision signals the conclusion of a high-stakes strategy that backfired spectacularly. Lazard was a central piece in the Jets' aggressive 2023 offseason push to lure quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. The duo shared a proven connection from their five successful years together in Green Bay. However, Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury in the 2023 opener, combined with overall offensive dysfunction, rendered Lazard's role obsolete. The 30-year-old receiver had become a healthy scratch for four recent games and formally requested his release to join a playoff contender.
Allen Lazard's Disappointing Tenure with the Jets
When Allen Lazard signed a lucrative four-year, $44 million contract in free agency, he was envisioned as the reliable veteran target to support star Garrett Wilson and ease Rodgers' transition. The reality was starkly different.
In his first season, without Rodgers for almost the entire year, Lazard managed only 46 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns. Facing an uncertain future last offseason, he agreed to a significant pay cut, reducing his salary by $8.75 million to remain with the team. The Jets also voided the final year of his deal, making him a free agent after 2025.
His overall production across parts of three seasons with New York totaled a meager 70 catches, 911 yards, and eight touchdowns. In the current campaign, he was limited to just 10 receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown over a scant 250 offensive snaps.
Jets' New Direction: Youth Over Nostalgia
Under General Manager Joe Douglas, the Jets' front office is now prioritizing evaluation and development. With Lazard's role diminished to nothing, the team is turning its attention to promising young players like rookies Adonai Mitchell, John Metchie III, and Isaiah Williams. These athletes are now receiving crucial playing time to build chemistry and assess their fit for the 2026 roster and beyond.
The urgency for this rebuild is amplified by the absence of top receiver Garrett Wilson, who is recovering from knee surgery. The move to release Lazard is a clear signal that the franchise is cutting its losses on past investments to build anew.
What Lies Ahead for Allen Lazard?
For Allen Lazard and his representatives, this release is viewed as an opportunity. At 30, he believes he still possesses the speed and football intelligence to contribute. He is expected to target contending teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs or Cincinnati Bengals that could use experienced depth at receiver. His successful track record with the Packers—223 catches, 2,762 yards, and 21 touchdowns—proves he can be effective in the right offensive system.
