2023 Jets Country Player Profile: WR Allen Lazard (10)

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Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Jun 10, 2023 11:06 PM EDT

In this story:

Iowa State's all-time leading receiver became a New York Jet in March.

Gang Green agreed to terms with Allen Lazard on a four-year deal during the two-day negotiating period that precedes the start of NFL free agency.

The undrafted Lazard, who joined the Green Bay Packers in 2018, earned an increasingly more important role in the Aaron Rodgers-led offense as the years progressed.

“He [Rodgers] called for me to be in the game in a lot of heavy pressure situations and has always believed in me,” said Lazard. “As a wide receiver, the best relationship you can have is with the quarterback."

In 2022, with Rodgers throwing the passes, the 6-foot-5 Lazard led Green Bay in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788).

"He’s got good ball skills," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh at the NFL Owners' Meetings in late March. "With a guy like Allen Lazard, he’s so big, so strong, so physical, tremendous red zone target. Just adding him, especially with what we want to do in the run game."

Seventy-five percent of Lazard's catches resulted in a first down last season. The 27-year old averages 13.2 yards per reception for his career. He has gained at least 450 yards receiving each of the past four years.

"You look at Allen Lazard and he came in as an undrafted free agent and he’s got all this unbelievable ability to him and he’s made himself," said Saleh.

Lazard's familiarity with Rodgers and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme adds to his value as an offseason addition.

"It is very common for new faces to want old faces to be able to come in and help accelerate the installation of an entire program," said Saleh. "Hackett has something to say about it, he loves Lazard, loves Randall [Cobb], took Billy Turner with him to Denver, wanted him here, so of course you’re going to surround a coach with people who he feels will be able to plant the flags."

Allen Lazard, Wide Receiver

Number: 10
Current Status: Starter
How/When Acquired: Free Agent Signing / 2023 (from Packers)
2022 Final Stats: 15 GP, 15 GS, 60 receptions, 788 rec yards, 6 TD receptions, 13.1 ypc

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