A lot of attention that has been given to the New York Jets in free agency has focused on their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers. New York is where Rodgers intends to play in 2023, now it is just a matter of the Jets and Green Bay Packers hammering out the details on compensation. That will take some time as the two sides are reportedly not close.

With so much focus on Rodgers, the Jets haven’t been very active in free agency. It is tough to know how much money they have to spend as acquiring Rodgers and his massive cap hit will require some salary cap wizardry itself.

The biggest move that the Jets have made thus far was signing wide receiver Allen Lazard. Lazard is coming off of a career season with the Packers, catching 60 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns as Rodgers’ No. 1 target.

A lot of people are considering that signing as just a way to entice Rodgers about coming to the team. Lazard was one of the players that were reportedly on Rodgers’ wish list of players he wanted the Jets to target in free agency. Also on that list were Randall Cobb, Marcedes Lewis and Odell Beckham Jr.

But, as one NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network pointed out, Lazard’s signing is being undersold. He is much more than just a pawn in the game to convince Rodgers to join the franchise.

“Look, I’m just going to put this straight forward. Allen Lazard will end up being the steal of free agency. He’s one of the best blocking wideouts in the game and he’s ready to take a step forward in other areas. The Jets made a much bigger addition than anyone is giving them credit for.”

The contract that the Jets signed Lazard to is more than enough evidence about how highly they think of him. The four-year, $44 million deal is the largest for any wide receiver thus far this offseason as Lazard cashed in.

That kind of money is only given to players a team thinks can have a major impact on the field. Lazard will thrive as the No. 2 option in this offense behind Garrett Wilson as he has improved every season as a pass catcher. The run blocking that he brings to the table is just the cherry on top for what could be a very explosive Jets’ passing game in 2023.