The New York Jets are patiently waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about his playing future. The Green Bay Packers’ future Hall of Famer hasn’t given an official word about what his plans are, but New York is operating under the assumption that Rodgers will become a Jet.
While that is certainly a dangerous game to play, Rodgers is pretty much their last option for a true upgrade at the quarterback position. Derek Carr landed with the New Orleans Saints while Jimmy Garoppolo went to the Las Vegas Raiders. Mike White departed for the Miami Dolphins, making it Rodgers or bust for the Jets.
They have already made one move to seemingly appease Rodgers, hiring Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. The last two MVPs that Rodgers won in 2020 and 2021, Hackett was his offensive coordinator.
The Jets aren’t stopping there as they are now looking to add to their wide receiver group with another favorite of Rodgers. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, New York is actively attempting to sign wide receiver Allen Lazard. Schefter notes another team is involved and no final decision has been made, but the Jets are trying hard to bring the former Packer into the fold.
There is certainly a level of risk to bringing in so many Packers in an attempt to woo Rodgers. But, Jets owner Woody Johnson made his intentions clear after the season and now it is up to Joe Douglas to seal the deal, by whatever means necessary.
Lazard would be a nice addition to what is a very young Jets wide receiver room. There is a spot in the lineup up for grabs with Braxton Berrios being released and Lazard could seamlessly slide into that role given his skill set.
He would also bring some size to the Jets, as Corey Davis is the only regular who is over 6 feet tall. Elijah Moore is listed at 5’10” and Garrett Wilson is exactly 6 feet. Lazard, on the other hand, is listed at 6’5” and 227 pounds, bringing another dimension to the offense whether or not Rodgers joins the team.
