The New York Jets have released wide receiver Allen Lazard after three seasons. Lazard, 30, was released Tuesday after requesting his exit, a move that allows him to pursue an opportunity with a contending team with three games remaining in the regular season. If Lazard is claimed off waivers, the acquiring team would be responsible for the final three weeks of his 2025 base salary, totaling $291,667.
Lazard had signed a four-year, $44 million deal ahead of the 2023 season, a move that reunited him with former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The pairing showed promise during training camp, but the connection stalled when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury early that year. Lazard finished his first season in New York with 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. He was more productive the following season with Rodgers back under center, posting 37 receptions for 530 yards and six scores in 12 games.
This season Lazard’s role diminished, appearing in just 10 games, making two starts, and recorded just 10 catches for 70 yards and one touchdown. He was a healthy scratch for four games and reworked his contract in April after the Jets released Rodgers. Over three seasons with New York, Lazard totaled 70 receptions for 911 yards and eight touchdowns across 36 appearances.
An undrafted free agent out of Iowa State, Lazard originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018 before joining Green Bay later that year. He spent five seasons with the Packers, where he set career highs with 60 catches and 788 yards in 2022 and scored a personal-best eight touchdowns in 2021. Across stints with the Packers and Jets, he has compiled 239 receptions for 3,147 yards and 28 touchdowns in 93 career games.
In additional roster moves Tuesday, the Jets released quarterback Adrian Martinez and signed linebacker Ochaun Mathis to the practice squad. Looking ahead, Adonai Mitchell, John Metchie III and Isaiah Williams are expected to serve as the Jets’ top wide receivers in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints.
New York (3-11) will face New Orleans (4-10) on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST at Caesars Superdome.
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