After landing New York for a new journey as a Jets wide receiver, Allen Lazard seems fully self-motivated as he is now a part of the roster which is familiar with him having Aaron Rodgers and OC Nathaniel Hackett.
The former Packers wide receiver has been consistent with 50 yards or more in 19 games and has 169 career receptions for 2,236 yards and 20 TDs throughout his career with the Packers.
When did Lazard go to the Jets?
Allen began his career in the NFL with the Jaguars after being signed as an undrafted free agent, but he was cut loose at the conclusion of the preseason. The wide receiver has worked hard to hone his route-running abilities since entering the league, but his time with the Jaguars did not end well.
The Green Bay Packers later acquired him in around the middle of December, he signed a $44 million, four-year contract with the Jets in March after playing for Green Bay for five seasons. Of that amount, $22 million is guaranteed.
Why did Allen Lazard leave the Packers?
The 27-year-old revealed that the Packers’ lack of interest is the reason causing him to leave the team and join the Jets roster.
“They didn’t seem like they were going to miss me too much,” the former Packers said.
Lazard also pointed out his relationship with Nathaniel Hackett, the new offensive coordinator for the Jets, as a major reason for joining the team. Hackett previously served in the same capacity as offensive coordinator in Green Bay from 2019 to 21.
“He’s the best teacher I’ve ever had in my life,” Lazard said. “And I go from school to football, he just makes learning fun. … He makes it really easy and he allows you to go out there and just play fast and not think. Because of that is why I’ve had a lot of success these past few years.”
What’s his new fill-in role with the Jets?
In an interview with ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the player out of Iowa State shared his enthusiasm and excitement after joining the roster occupied by his former team’s veteran quarterback and offensive coordinator.
“I’m trying to put my coaching cap on,” he told. “I’ve been in this offense for so long. I’ve [spoken] the language and know this terminology so well. … trying to give these guys my tidbits I used in certain plays and certain routes and spacing,” Lazard explained.
Lazard knew the dominance of the four-time MVP on the field and is hoping for a tight duo relationship with him on the Jets field. Additionally, the wide receiver has a thought that if they can show the same level of commitment they expressed during the signing, the Jets can easily expect a better season with them.
Former Packers’ and new Jets’ WR @AllenLazard is doing some fill-in coaching for his new team.
🎧 https://t.co/klp61Sni68 pic.twitter.com/vcRegwRqCB
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 22, 2023
“And [it’s] also what Aaron prefers and what he’s thinking because at the end of the day the coaches can sit up there and talk about the Xs and Os and things on paper, but … it matters how we execute out there on the field. If we’re on the same page, we’re able to do very special things, especially when you have Aaron Rodgers at the helm,” he added.
AL is a player who worked hard throughout his career, yet could not achieve the heart of any team. However, with the Jets, the WR seems fully inspired and if he can keep up this enthusiasm, he can be expected to take his game to the next level as he enters his heyday.
