The Aaron Rodgers era is officially history for the New York Jets.
On Dec. 16, the team officially released Allen Lazard – a mutual decision on a move that has been expected for some time. Rumors have been swirling since the offseason that New York was interested in trading the veteran receiver.
Those talks quieted down as the season began, but were renewed around the trade deadline. No deal ultimately came to fruition and Lazard has been a healthy scratch for the last four games. He arrived as a free agent signing before the Jets’ trade for Rodgers in 2023, inking a four-year, $44 million deal.
He figured to be a welcome addition for the four-time MVP quarterback, providing Rodgers a receiver he was familiar with. That connection couldn’t recapture the magic in New York and the Jets waived the white flag on the Rodgers experiment, releasing the quarterback after the 2024 season.
Lazard seemed likely to follow Rodgers out the door, relocating the duo to Pittsburgh. Instead, Lazard eventually agreed to a $8.5 million pay cut, per OverTheCap, ahead of the 2025 season, which would’ve made him a free agent after the season.
Now Lazard is free to sign with any team. Will it be the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Here’s what to know.
Will the Steelers sign Allen Lazard?
There is no indication that the Steelers are prepared to claim or sign Lazard.
It’s easy to connect the dots given Rodgers’ preference to work with familiar receivers. However, any decision to sign Lazard would likely require another move to the existing roster.
Pittsburgh already claimed Adam Thielen off waivers and also signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who caught a touchdown on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 15.
The receiver room is still headlined by DK Metcalf, but no one else has truly staked their claim to having a big role in the offense.
That could open the door for Lazard to land there in the midst of a playoff push with three weeks to go.
Steelers WR depth chart
DK Metcalf
Calvin Austin III
Adam Thielen
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Ben Skowronek
Scotty Miller
Roman Wilson
The Steelers’ receiver room is essentially Metcalf and a bunch of guys.
Metcalf leads the team with 808 receiving yards, while tight end Pat Freiermuth checks in at second with 352 yards. Pittsburgh has relied on tight end and running backs in the passing game all season. While Lazard doesn’t profile as a savior, it’s hard to deny that he could be helpful if reunited with Rodgers.