Allen Lazard The Leader? Jets Remain Impressed with Vet WR

It's now or never for Allen Lazard and the New York Jets.

The former undrafted free agent out of Iowa State signed a four-year contract with the Jets in 2023 for over $44 million. In his first season following the injury to former and current teammate Aaron Rodgers, Lazard went through a nightmare of a year in New York.

© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com

Despite being considered a second option behind Garrett Wilson, Lazard caught just 23 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown. The numbers were among the lowest of his career and were just the tip of the iceberg as drops and a lack of separation also kept Lazard's value stunted. At one point last season, Lazard was even benched by the Jets in hopes he'd refocus on the game he loves to play.

Now, entering what could be his final year with New York, Lazard knows he has to produce to stay in the NFL, let alone with the Jets.

Through the early stages of offseason workouts, though, Jets head coach Robert Saleh has been more than impressed with the way Lazard has conducted himself this season.

"I think he’s gonna have a really nice bounce-back year," Saleh said. "He’s just got a renewed focus.”

New York's head coach also commended Lazard for being a "coach on the field" and leading the wide receiver meeting rooms.

This renewed focus from Lazard, as Saleh said, could be instrumental in not only saving his career but giving the Jets another dependable offensive weapon they can rely on in 2024.

At the very least, the Jets appear to be focused on some of their fringe roster players this season.