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The future looks bright for the New York Jets after being within striking distance of breaking their playoff drought. While they finished 7-10 in 2022, they have promising players on both sides of the ball, like Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, RB Breece Hall, and Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner. But as free agency commences, it's clear they are not staying put by acquiring wide receiver Allen Lazard.
Lazard agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the AFC East squad. The terms of the agreement have yet to be disclosed, but the Jets are loading up on offense.
Considering the high-powered offenses in their division, especially the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins, such a move is necessary. The Jets get a big target who is also tremendous in run blocking, making him more valuable to Robert Saleh's scheme.
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The former Iowa State standout had an opportunity to be the Green Bay Packers' primary wideout in 2022 after they dealt Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. While his numbers were not eye-popping, he had career-highs in receiving yards (788) and receptions (60). The fourth-year pro also matched his career-high of six touchdowns last season.
Those numbers prove that he can perform even in a big spotlight. He now goes to a market wherein the attention from fans and the media is more massive, whether he plays well or not. Luckily for him, he will not be jumping into totally unfamiliar territory. He will feel right at home, even if he switches to a different shade of green.
Packers 2.0 In The Big Apple
Adjusting to a new system can be difficult, especially in getting accustomed to the concepts and verbiage. However, he won't have to deal with that problem because Nathaniel Hackett will call the shots on offense. During his time as Packers offensive coordinator, the squad had three consecutive NFC North titles with 13 regular-season victories each from 2019 to 2021.
Therefore, Lazard will fit like a glove in Hackett's system. He will be a crucial player for New York, especially in third-down and red zone situations. Likewise, he can continue to blossom because defensive backs will have to pay extra attention to Wilson, who finished with 1,103 yards in his maiden NFL season. Don't forget Elijah Moore, who can have a breakout year if given more snaps.
There's no question Lazard is a good catch by the Jets now that he is stepping into his prime years. But his acquisition looks like a set-up for the bigger fish: quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They showed great on-field connection last season and will have no problems picking up where they left off. Rodgers allegedly relayed a wish list of players he would like the Jets to sign before considering a trade.
Whether true or not, the four-time NFL MVP declared his intention to play for the Jets through an interview on The Pat McAfee Show. However, the Jets are now on the clock to pull off an offer the Packers cannot refuse. If both sides agree, it's a safe bet that the team will end its postseason futility in 2023. With several talented weapons around him, Rodgers can propel the Jets' offense through the roof.
With Lazard already in and Rodgers coming next, there might be a reboot of the Packers' offense in New York. The team also shows interest in Randall Cobb, who has been with Green Bay for 10 seasons. That possibility should get Jets fans excited about the coming years, and a Super Bowl appearance is possible if everything falls into place.
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