Allen Lazard has 10 catches on the season. Katie Stratman / Imagn Images
The Allen Lazard era in New York has ended, much later than most expected. The Jets are releasing the veteran wide receiver, according to a team source.
When Aaron Rodgers was released this past offseason, it was expected that Lazard’s Jets tenure was also over — both because he and Rodgers are close friends and because Lazard has largely been a disappointment since signing a $44 million contract in 2023. In April, Lazard agreed to a restructured deal and, ultimately, head coach Aaron Glenn chose to keep him, in part to provide depth at wide receiver and because of the coaching staff’s belief Lazard has value as a blocker.
Lazard, who turned 30 last week, has hardly played this season. He has 10 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown, with a season-high of 16 yards coming in an October loss to the Panthers.
In 2023, after Rodgers tore his Achilles, Lazard played in 14 games but could only muster 311 yards and one touchdown. He played much better when Rodgers returned — 37 catches for 530 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.
Among 171 players with at least 100 targets since 2023, Lazard has the second-highest drop rate (10.2 percent), according to TruMedia.
With top wideout Garrett Wilson on injured reserve, the Jets will move forward with Adonai Mitchell, John Metchie and Isaiah Williams leading the way the rest of the season.
