Allen Lazard 2023 Outlook
Lazard received a hefty four-year, $44 million contract as a free agent, his value high to the Jets because of his relationship with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets later completed the trade with the Green Bay Packers for Rodgers and Lazard is eager to resume playing with the future Hall of Famer. His presence will also help the team's other receiver get on the same page with Rodgers. Lazard set career highs for receptions and yardage last season, and he could be in line to better those numbers this season. Lazard has 14 touchdown catches over the past two seasons and 73 of his 100 receptions have gone for first downs. The latter is one of those signs that Rodgers has heavy faith in him. Lazard only has three 100-yard outings in his career with one of them coming last season. He caught four or more passes on 11 occasions last season. Lazard had scoring receptions in five of his first seven games and then just one over his final eight contests. The former undrafted free agent has exceeded expectations.
Allen Lazard 2022 Outlook
As Profootballtalk.com recently pointed out, when rattling off the pass-catching options for the Green Bay Packers, Lazard always gets mentioned. There's good reason for this. Lazard was tendered as a restricted free agent this offseason. He signed that tender in June. Some believe he intends to get through 2022, become an unrestricted free agent, and sign with the Broncos in 2023, where he would be reunited with former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Still, the Packers need Lazard in 2022. He's the best current member of the team (even if he's technically not a member currently) at the position. Indeed, Lazard is coming off career-high marks in all the key categories -- targets, receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and fantasy points -- but that was only enough for a 47th-place finish. He was also busy near the goal line (he tied for eighth in the NFL with 12 end-zone targets). The key here is path to workload. With Davante Adams' massive target share out of the way, ESPN's Mike Clay contends a healthy Lazard could conceivably lead the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers in targets, so he can't be ignored as a late-round flier. In fact, with incoming rookie Christian Watson the other top option here, it's fair to believe Lazard's experience with Rodgers and the offense will open the door to a true breakout season.
Allen Lazard 2021 Outlook
As SBNation.com recently noted, as a key player for the Packers over the past two seasons, Lazard has posted at least 30 receptions, 450 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in each campaign. In fact, Lazard's total production in 2020 was almost identical to that of 2019, but came over six fewer games, due to a core muscle injury. Lazard added seven receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' two playoff contests this January. Beyond all that, as pointed out on the team's official website, Lazard has shown consistency and an all-around game. He blocks well, has reliable hands, a large frame, deceptive speed and most importantly, he has the trust of Aaron Rodgers. Assuming the veteran QB is still under center in Green Bay this fall, Lazard will continue to be a viable contributor to this offense, a player capable of moving the chains on third downs and a dangerous play-action receiving weapon. He also is a willing and talented blocker, a critical factor for a receiver in the Packers' offense under Matt LaFleur. All in all, Lazard is a more well-rounded player than others on the depth chart like Marques-Valdez Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown and rookie Amari Rodgers.
