Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard performed the earlier 5 seasons collectively in Green Bay.
Now it seems the dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo will swimsuit up once more for the Jets.
Lazard formally signed a four-year contract price $44 million — together with $22 million assured — on Friday. Earlier this week, Rodgers introduced his “intentions” to play for the Jets and the 2 sides proceed to debate a commerce.
The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, however they’re hoping to vary that with the addition of Lazard, together with Rodgers if the Jets can get that deal throughout the end line. During his first interview with the Jets media, Lazard stated if the Jets land Rodgers that routinely modifications expectations throughout the group.
“I think with Aaron Rodgers as quarterback the possibility to win is always a thing,” Lazard stated Friday. “With that being stated, it’s actually the Super Bowl, particularly the purpose in his profession and his skill. Four-time MVP winner, gained back-to-back MVPs, two, three years in the past. His caliber of play routinely elevates all people’s potential and talents on the sector instantly.
“We have high expectations, I have high expectations coming from the Green Bay Packers organization obviously, they’ve been successful in their history. We are going to carry that same expectation here as well.”
The Jaguars signed Lazard as an undrafted free agent popping out of Iowa State in 2018. The Packers then nabbed him off Jacksonville’s follow squad and signed him to their 53-man roster.
In whole, Lazard spent greater than four-plus seasons with the Packers. His numbers elevated yearly he performed with Rodgers. Last season, Lazard had his finest numbers as he recorded 60 receptions for 788 yards and 6 touchdowns. This adopted a season wherein Lazard had 40 catches for 513 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021.
Lazard can be a superb downfield blocker.
But the Packers completed 8-9 final 12 months and missed the playoffs for the primary time since 2018. This adopted three consecutive playoff journeys, together with twice enjoying within the NFC Championship.
Lazard maintains he has a particular relationship with Rodgers and says the 2 have stored in touch this offseason as they work out on the similar fitness center in Los Angeles. But Lazard says that was not the explanation why he signed with the Jets as he was trying to play in a significant metropolis after rising up within the Midwest.
“During my time with Aaron in Green Bay, he really put his arm around me,” Lazard stated. “He is an enormous motive why I’m right here at this time. I can’t deny that he stood up on a desk for me throughout coaching got here once I in all probability didn’t need to make the roster, no less than within the entrance workplace’s eyes.
“He known as for me to be within the recreation and he has relied on me in heavy-pressure conditions and has all the time believed in me. As a large receiver, the very best relationship you possibly can have is with the quarterback and the connection I’ve had with him has been phenomenal.
“Obviously, there’s been inclination that he’s coming here, but after the last game in the locker room, I mentioned how I have to worry about myself and take care of what’s best for me as I can’t worry about other people. Me and my decision about coming here was purely based off of that and doing what’s best for my career.”
One main motive Lazard did signal with the Jets was Nathaniel Hackett, who turned the crew’s offensive coordinator in January after being fired because the Broncos coach in December. Hackett was Lazard’s offensive coordinator throughout his one season in Jacksonville. The two additionally had been collectively in Green Bay from 2019 to 2021 earlier than Hackett left to develop into the Denver coach.
On Thursday evening, Lazard hinted he and Hackett were at dinner along with a GIF saying, “Hey, look at us, who would have thought, not me.”
“Fun, easy, he’s the best teacher I’ve ever had in my life,” Lazard stated about Hackett. “And that goes for varsity, to soccer, he simply makes studying enjoyable. That’s the most important factor in relation to NFL, offense and protection as a result of it’s so difficult with so many guidelines and so many issues it’s important to improv in actual life that you simply want to have the ability to be fluent in that language.
“I think he does a great job of teaching that. Makes it really easy and he allows you to go out there and play fast and not think. Because of that is the reason why I had a lot of success the last few years.”
Lazard will be a part of a Jets receiver corps that has some immense potential. Garrett Wilson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after catching 83 passes for 1,103 yards and 4 touchdowns.
They even have Elijah Moore, who had a disappointing 2022 season. He caught 37 receptions for 446 yards and one landing and was sad with the quarterback scenario and his function in earlier offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s scheme. Also, tight ends Tyler Conklin and C. J. Uzomah proved helpful choices within the Gang Green’s offense.
With operating again Breece Hall anticipated to return from his ACL damage, the Jets offense will undoubtedly enhance from final 12 months after they completed twenty fifth in whole offense and twenty ninth in factors per recreation.
“Explosive,” Lazards stated concerning the Jets’ receiving corps. “I feel it has huge potential. I don’t just like the phrase potential simply because it means numerous intangible issues.
“Obviously, Garrett is a phenomenal player within himself and the rest of the guys in the room have a high ceiling themselves. So I’m excited to get in there and get to know them personally, get on the field and work with them and be able to create that bond when we are out there.”
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com