Jets fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Allen Lazard may not be leaving the team after all. General manager Darren Mougey revealed on Sunday that the Jets are in talks to restructure Lazard’s contract, which many expected would lead to his release.
Mougey expressed optimism about keeping Lazard, stating, “That’s the hope. We’ll work through that.” This comes as a surprise to fans who anticipated that Lazard would be cut following the team’s recent changes.
Lazard, a wide receiver, signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Jets in 2023, just before the team traded for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With two years remaining on his contract, Lazard is set to earn $11 million this season, carrying a salary cap hit of $13.2 million.
The Jets initially allowed Lazard’s agent to seek a trade, but no offers have materialized. This shift in strategy indicates the team’s desire to keep him on board, especially after parting ways with Rodgers this offseason.
Mougey also mentioned that any potential contract extensions for other players would be discussed after the NFL draft. This includes first-round picks Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, who are expected to seek extensions soon. Additionally, players like Alijah Vera-Tucker and Quincy Williams may also look for new deals as they enter the final years of their contracts.
Overall, the Jets are focused on building their roster and ensuring key players remain with the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.