The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves with an unexpected need at wide receiver following the trade of George Pickens earlier today. As teams scramble to adjust their rosters, one name has quickly emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant spot: New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Lazard is reportedly “in play” for a trade to Pittsburgh in the wake of the Pickens deal. There’s a compelling narrative here, as Lazard is not just another receiver; he’s a long-time ally of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who the Steelers are rumored to be pursuing as their next signal caller. It appears the move to trade Pickens may be part of a broader strategy to reel in Rodgers.
Lazard’s journey to the Jets was particularly notable during the team’s aggressive attempt to recruit Rodgers in 2023, with Lazard being one of the first signings aimed at making the star quarterback feel at home. However, the results haven’t quite met expectations; over the past two seasons, Lazard has recorded 60 receptions for 841 yards and seven touchdowns. While he was a reliable target for Rodgers in both New York and Green Bay, his current standing in the league sees him viewed more as a complementary weapon rather than a primary receiver.
As word has spread about the potential for a Steelers trade, NFL fans have taken to social media to share their reactions, often with a touch of humor. One fan quipped, “Rodgers isn’t even on the team yet and he’s already infecting the Steelers with his nonsense,” capturing the sentiment of many who see the irony in the situation. Others speculated on the implications of adding Lazard, with thoughts on how it might signal further moves toward acquiring Rodgers. “If the Steelers trade for Allen Lazard, they are definitely bringing in Rodgers,” one commenter noted, while others jokingly suggested looking into bringing back former Packers like Randall Cobb or James Jones.
Negotiations could move swiftly in this case, especially since Lazard recently took a pay cut, making him a more attractive option for teams that may be operating with tight salary cap constraints. Meanwhile, the Jets are likely focused on prioritizing their star receiver, Garrett Wilson, and developing a younger group of pass catchers, which could make them more open to parting with Lazard.
As the Steelers weigh their options, the question looms: will Allen Lazard don the black and gold next season? Only time will tell, but the idea of bringing in a former connection of Rodgers offers an intriguing possibility that could shake things up in Pittsburgh as they look to solidify their receiving corps.
