Jets Release Wide Receiver Allen Lazard

The New York Jets released veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard on Tuesday, granting his request for a mutual departure with three games remaining in the regular season. The 30-year-old, who had seen his role diminish amid the team's offensive struggles, is now eligible to sign with another club after clearing waivers.

Lazard's tenure with the Jets began as a high-profile acquisition in 2023, when he signed a four-year, $44 million contract to reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, his longtime teammate from Green Bay. The move was part of New York's effort to bolster its receiving corps around the incoming Rodgers. However, the partnership faltered early. In his debut season, Lazard recorded 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown across 14 games, hampered by Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury just four snaps into the year.

The following season brought modest improvement with Rodgers' return, as Lazard posted 37 receptions for 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. Yet expectations remained unmet, particularly given his reputation for reliable blocking overshadowed by a high drop rate, which ranked second among players with at least 100 targets since 2023 at 10.2...