As the dust settles on the news surrounding Davante Adams’ release, the Denver Broncos find themselves eyeing another one of Aaron Rodgers’ trusted targets from his time with the Green Bay Packers: Allen Lazard. With the Broncos’ quarterback Bo Nix looking to bolster his receiving corps, Lazard could emerge as a compelling option, especially given his potential availability at a reasonable cost.
The situation becomes intriguing as reports suggest that the Jets have granted Lazard permission to explore trade possibilities. If the Jets are unable to find a deal for him, they may face the option of cutting him loose, similar to the route taken with Adams. Currently, Lazard is under a four-year, $44 million contract, but it’s clear that the Jets, like many teams, are constantly weighing the balance of financial commitments against performance.
Lazard’s production is noteworthy as he has recorded 37 catches for 530 yards and six touchdowns in the last season, adding to his prior season’s total of 23 catches for 311 yards and a score. It’s remarkable that Lazard has not only hit the six-touchdown mark three times since 2021 but has also consistently surpassed the thresholds of 450 receiving yards and 32 receptions in five different seasons.
However, it’s worth noting that for the Broncos to make a move for Lazard, they would likely need to see him hit free agency since his current salary of $11 million annually would be a significant commitment. Should trade negotiations fizzle out, and if he becomes available at the right price, Nix could gain a dependable playmaker—someone who shared a successful rapport with Rodgers during their time together both in Green Bay and more recently in New York.
With the right fit, Lazard could resonate well with the Broncos’ aspirations for a more dynamic offense. It’s a move that could provide Nix not just with a fresh target, but also with a piece of the puzzle that could help elevate the team’s aerial attack, and potentially reshape the Broncos’ offensive outlook in the upcoming season.
