In recent years, the Green Bay Packers have parted ways with several wide receivers. Interestingly, all of their starting wide receivers for the 2024 season were drafted within the past few years. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Bo Melton were all added to the team in or after 2022.

One of the Packers’ starting wide receivers from last season may not be with the team when the 2024 season begins.

Will Allen Lazard Remain a Jet for Week 1?

As the New York Jets gear up for the 2024 NFL season, there’s a burning question on the minds of fans and analysts alike: will wide receiver Allen Lazard still be on the roster when the team takes the field in Week 1?

Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets in 2023, had a disappointing first season in New York. Despite reuniting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with whom he had success in Green Bay[4], Lazard managed just 23 catches for 311 yards and 1 touchdown in 14 games. His drop rate of 20% was the worst among 96 wide receivers with at least 25 targets.

The Jets’ wide receiver room has undergone a significant overhaul in recent years, with Lazard being the only holdover from the 2023 season[1]. The team has drafted several young receivers, including Garrett Wilson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks[1][3], who are expected to play key roles in 2024.

With the Jets reportedly pursuing additional receiving options in free agency, such as Gabe Davis and Tyler Boyd, or potentially trading for Cortland Sutton[4], Lazard’s roster spot could be in jeopardy. Head coach Robert Saleh has challenged the wide receiver room to step up and emerge as the No. 2 option behind Wilson[5], and Lazard has yet to answer that call.

However, there are a few factors that could work in Lazard’s favor. First, his large contract makes him a significant investment for the Jets, and the team may be willing to give him another chance to prove himself[4]. Additionally, the potential return of Rodgers, with whom Lazard has a strong rapport[4], could help him bounce back and solidify his role in the offense.

Ultimately, Lazard’s status for Week 1 will likely depend on his performance during the offseason and training camp, as well as the Jets’ success in acquiring additional receiving talent. If he fails to show improvement and the team is able to upgrade the position, Lazard may find himself on the outside looking in when the 2024 season kicks off.

During the 2023 season, Lazard recorded only 311 receiving yards for the Jets, marking the lowest output of his career. In contrast, he had 788 yards and six touchdowns in the prior season, following a performance with over 500 yards and eight touchdowns.

Assuming he remains healthy, the 28-year-old is expected to improve upon his previous season’s performance, especially with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback. As the fourth wide receiver in the Jets’ offense, Lazard may have a lighter workload compared to last season.