Packers Rumors: Allen Lazard Waiting on Aaron Rodgers Decision; Ravens, Chiefs Linked
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZucker
Featured Columnist IVMarch 12, 2023
Veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard "is waiting to see what Aaron Rodgers is going to do" as he ponders his next move in free agency, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Mike Garafolo @MikeGarafoloFrom Free Agency Frenzy on <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nflnetwork</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Packers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Packers</a> WR Allen Lazard is, like the rest of us, waiting to see where Aaron Rodgers winds up. Rodgers' destination will be a factor for Lazard, one of the top free-agent receivers, but he'll make the best decision for himself. <a href="https://t.co/95Ip0m5Wyw">pic.twitter.com/95Ip0m5Wyw</a>
Dan Graziano of ESPN reported earlier Sunday that Lazard "could end up wherever Rodgers does" but that his value isn't generally dependent upon his rapport with the four-time MVP.
Graziano listed the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs as possible landing spots if he leaves the Green Bay Packers.
The receiver market isn't exactly robust in free agency.
Jakobi Meyers might be the best of the bunch, and he has yet to record a 1,000-yard receiving season. Odell Beckham Jr. is a three-time Pro Bowler but missed the entire 2022 season because of a torn ACL, his second major knee injury. JuJu Smith-Schuster rehabbed his value a bit with the Kansas City Chiefs yet still failed to attain the heights he reached when he made the Pro Bowl in 2018.
Lazard is a solid option for teams looking to add a wideout. He caught 60 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. Graziano also described him as "a coach's favorite due to his ability and willingness as a blocker in addition to his abilities as a receiver."
As Garafolo and Graziano alluded to, there are reasons why a team would sign Lazard beyond his proximity to Rodgers.
For the team most closely linked with Rodgers, a reunion might be tough to pull off.
The New York Jets are setting the table for a Rodgers trade, though there are plenty of steps remaining before that's a reality.
In Lazard, New York could theoretically get a good secondary target to play off Garrett Wilson. But when the Jets already saw a pair of receivers (Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore) request a trade, adding another experienced pass-catcher could make things messier.