Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard played the previous five seasons together in Green Bay.
Now it appears the dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo will suit up again for the Jets.
Lazard officially signed a four-year contract worth $44 million — including $22 million guaranteed — on Friday. Earlier this week, Rodgers announced his “intentions” to play for the Jets and the two sides continue to discuss a trade.
The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, but they’re hoping to change that with the addition of Lazard, along with Rodgers if the Jets can get that deal across the finish line. During his first interview with the Jets media, Lazard said if the Jets land Rodgers that automatically changes expectations within the organization.
“I think with Aaron Rodgers as quarterback the possibility to win is always a thing,” Lazard said Friday. “With that being said, it is really the Super Bowl, especially the point in his career and his ability. Four-time MVP winner, won back-to-back MVPs, two, three years ago. His caliber of play automatically elevates everybody’s potential and abilities on the field immediately.
“We have high expectations, I have high expectations coming from the Green Bay Packers organization obviously, they’ve been successful in their history. We are going to carry that same expectation here as well.”
The Jaguars signed Lazard as an undrafted free agent coming out of Iowa State in 2018. The Packers then nabbed him off Jacksonville’s practice squad and signed him to their 53-man roster.
In total, Lazard spent more than four-plus seasons with the Packers. His numbers increased every year he played with Rodgers. Last season, Lazard had his best numbers as he recorded 60 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns. This followed a season in which Lazard had 40 catches for 513 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021.
Lazard is also an excellent downfield blocker.
But the Packers finished 8-9 last year and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This followed three consecutive playoff trips, including twice playing in the NFC Championship.
Lazard maintains he has a special relationship with Rodgers and says the two have kept in contact this offseason as they work out at the same gym in Los Angeles. But Lazard says that was not the reason why he signed with the Jets as he was looking to play in a major city after growing up in the Midwest.
“During my time with Aaron in Green Bay, he really put his arm around me,” Lazard said. “He is a big reason why I’m here today. I can’t deny that he stood up on a table for me during training came when I probably didn’t deserve to make the roster, at least in the front office’s eyes.
“He called for me to be in the game and he has relied on me in heavy-pressure situations and has always believed in me. As a wide receiver, the best relationship you can have is with the quarterback and the relationship I’ve had with him has been phenomenal.
“Obviously, …read more
Source:: The Denver Post – Sports
