Jets interested in Packers free agents Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb
By Paul Bretl
At least at this moment, a deal between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets involving quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not yet been reached. However, there are two more signs as of Tuesday morning that a deal is imminent.
According to Adam Schefter, the Jets are “closing” in on a deal for unrestricted free agent Allen Lazard, and they will also pursue Randall Cobb, who is coming off recent ankle surgery, in the coming days.
Now, if that doesn’t sound like Rodgers is choosing to play for New York instead of retiring, I don’t know what does.
This is already a Jets offense with a few talented pass-catchers that include Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, along with Elijah Moore. At tight end is Tyler Conklin, and at running back Breece Hall. However, we all know how important familiarity and rapport is to Aaron Rodgers. In fact, the lack of continuity between him and rookie receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were a factor in Green Bay’s early season struggles.
Both Lazard and Cobb have been trusted targets for Rodgers in high-leverage situations, specifically on third downs and in the red zone during their time in Green Bay. Lazard is coming off a career year with 60 receptions and 788 yards, not to mention his impact in the run game. Cobb, meanwhile, dealt with injuries but was particularly effective on third downs, catching nine of his 11 targets, with eight of those receptions moving the chains, per PFF.
In addition to potentially rejoining Rodgers in New York, both Lazard and Cobb will be reunited with Nathaniel Hackett, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. Both Lazard and Cobb played together under Hackett in Green Bay during the 2021 season. As a unit, the Packers ranked 10th in points per game scored that year.
Along with Lazard and Cobb, two other Packers free agents to keep your eyes on are Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, both of whom could follow Rodgers to New York. Rodgers has frequently spoken highly of Lewis’ impact in Green Bay, both as a blocker but also in the locker room. Tonyan, meanwhile, has been a very trusted target over the last few seasons, catching over 80% of the passes thrown in his direction.
For the Packers, re-signing Lazard was likely never a realistic option for them, given their tight salary cap situation and that he was projected to make over $10 million per year. A reunion with Cobb could have made some sense, considering that Green Bay has a need for a veteran receiver and that Cobb’s cap hit will be minimal. But he was likely always going to go wherever Rodgers ended up.
Neither of these signings are official at this time.