A reunion between former teammates Allen Lazard and Aaron Rodgers seems inevitable. However, in a news conference to announce his signing with the New York Jets on Friday, Lazard said he would’ve signed with the team regardless of whether the Green Bay Packers quarterback ends up in New York in 2023.
“Obviously, there’s an inclination that he’s coming here, but after the season, after the last game, in the locker room, I mentioned how I have to worry about myself and take care of what’s best for me, and I can’t worry about other people,” Lazard said. “My decision coming here was purely based off that and making sure that I’m doing what’s best for my career. Obviously, him being here, it definitely helps the entire organization to be able to take that next step, make a deep playoff run, and go win that Lombardi Trophy.”
Lazard said playing in New York and working with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-2021, were significant factors in his decision to sign with the Jets.
Rodgers should be happy Lazard landed with the Jets since Rodgers reportedly asked the team to sign Lazard along with two other former Packers, WR Randall Cobb and TE Marcedes Lewis. Rodgers’ list also included free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Rodgers denied the report, calling it “stupid.”
Regardless of whether Rodgers asked the Jets to sign Lazard, there’s no denying the pair have a good on-field relationship.
Last season, with Davante Adams having moved on to Las Vegas, Lazard caught a team-high 60 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns. He was targeted by Rodgers 100 times. No other receiver had more than 67 targets.
“As a wide receiver, the best relationship you can have is with the quarterback and the relationship I have with [Rodgers] has been phenomenal,” Lazard said. “Obviously, standing here today, it feels good knowing that 12’s going to be my quarterback again.”
Although Lazard spoke as if Rodgers’ deal to the Jets is already completed, Green Bay and New York have yet to agree on compensation. The Packers reportedly want the Jets’ first-round pick this year (No. 13 overall) and additional draft picks for next year.
