It's not a list that one strives to qualify for, but it's also not necessarily a permanent designation.
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard signed a four-year contract, reportedly worth $44 million, in 2023. What followed, however, was Lazard's least-productive season, by a wide margin, in his five years as an NFL starter.
As a result, Pro Football Network deemed Lazard "a waste of money" while selecting the pass-catcher's $11 million salary as New York's "worst contract for 2024."
"Allen Lazard may have been part of the Jets’ cost for acquiring Aaron Rodgers. The former Packers receiver (and Rodgers’ friend) is an excellent blocker, but he’d never posted a breakout receiving season before landing an $11 AAV from New York in 2023," said PFN writer Dallas Robinson.
Since the story was written on training camp report day, Lazard has looked ready to defy the notion that the former undrafted Iowa State product is a free-agent bust. It's only been three practices, but the 28-year-old has already earned some attention for his performance.
Back working with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Lazard has been a standout during the padless practices.
"I thought Allen made a couple nice catches today," said Rodgers after Practice No. 1 in Florham Park.
Lazard made an acrobatic catch on the first snap of 11-on-11 drills on Day 1 before ending Wednesday's and Thursday's sessions by making touchdown receptions. On Friday, in a practice open to media, the longtime Rodgers teammate beat All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner for a catch over the middle during 7-on-7 competition.
"He's been locked in. He looks good. He's been phenomenal with his teammates in the meeting rooms and I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses throughout training camp," said Saleh earlier this week.
Lazard may wind up becoming the WR2 that the Jets signed him to be. With Mike Williams still working his way back to full strength, the team could use significant contributions from the man who was the Packers' leading receiver in 2022.
Jets end practice with a Rodgers touchdown to Allen Lazard! #Jetup @nyjets pic.twitter.com/Jk4EisAWrs
— Vinny Michael (@Vinnymichael15) July 25, 2024
