1 obvious New York Jets trade candidate entering 2025 training camp
After reaching peak dysfunction during the 2024 season, the New York Jets are hoping new head coach Aaron Glenn can stabilize the franchise. The team found out the hard way that it, in fact, was not just a quarterback away from contending for a championship as the Jets finished 5-12 last season and missed the playoffs for the 14th straight year.
Advertisement
The abject failure of the Aaron Rodgers era left the organization eager to head in a different direction for 2025. And Glenn's first big decision as the Jets' shot caller was to release the veteran quarterback.
New York also parted ways with Davante Adams after acquiring him in a mid-season trade with the Las Vegas Raiders last year. And the team fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who was hired in 2023 to help lure Rodgers to New York.
Now it's time for the Jets to move on from the last vestige of the Rodgers era by trading Allen Lazard.
Like Hackett, Lazard was brought in to make the Jets more appealing to the future Hall of Fame passer. New York signed the wideout to a four-year, $44 million contract prior to the 2023 season. A month later, the team landed Rodgers in a trade with the Green Bay Packers.
Advertisement
At the time it made sense to try to recreate the offensive environment from Rodgers' two most recent MVP seasons. But Lazard is all that remains from that effort. And Glenn has sent a clear message that the Jets are starting fresh in 2025 with a focus on getting younger and building a culture.
Lazard never seemed like a natural fit with the Jets, even when Rodgers was playing. And his contributions when Rodgers was sidelined by injury in 2023 were negligible. Now, entering his age-30 season, he's rumored to be losing the WR2 battle to newcomer Josh Reynolds.
It's clear that the Jets need to upgrade their wide receiver room as Reynolds is not cut out for the WR2 role in a successful passing offense. But neither is Lazard. The seventh-year veteran has never caught more than 60 passes or topped 788 receiving yards in a season despite playing nearly every game of his career with Aaron Rodgers, including during the passer's Most Valuable Player campaigns in 2020 and 2021.
With Rodgers shelved due to an Achilles injury in 2023, Lazard had 23 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. And when the quarterback returned to the field in 2024, Lazard responded by posting 37 catches for 530 yards and six scores.
Advertisement
In addition to the modest production, Lazard has been inconsistent with the Jets, struggling with drops – he had the sixth-highest drop rate among receivers in 2024 – and run blocking, which had been considered an area of strength for the wideout.
The Jets don't have much talent at the position outside of star receiver Garrett Wilson. Beyond Lazard and Reynolds, the team has 2024 third-round pick Malachi Corley, who's flirting with a bust label, 2025 fourth-round speedster Arian Smith, who's considered a work in progress and journeyman Tyler Johnson.
It would be wise to add a wideout capable of starting opposite Wilson and commanding some attention from opposing defenses. But if the Jets don't go that route (they won't) they might as well give the young guys playing time as Glenn sorts out exactly what he has on this roster. Either way, Lazard is not going to be part of the team's future. But he could still have some value on the market as a big-bodied WR3 for a team with multiple established pass catchers.
It's not imperative that the Jets trade Lazard ahead of the season now that the wideout agreed to a restructured contract, accepting a $8.5 million pay cut. The new deal eases New York's cap burden and also makes Lazard a free agent following the 2025 campaign. The restructured terms would allow the team to keep the veteran receiver as a depth piece if a market doesn't develop. But Lazard is clearly the Jets' most obvious trade candidate and ideally New York would be able to flip him for some draft capital as Glenn and new GM Darren Mougey seek to rebuild the roster with young talent.
Advertisement
What about a Breece Hall trade?
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
In the lead up to the 2025 NFL Draft it was rumored that the Jets would try to trade Breece Hall. The team was reportedly interested in moving the fourth-year running back as he entered the final year of his rookie deal. While a draft day trade didn't materialize, rumors of Hall's availability heated up.
Glenn then threw kerosene on the flames by professing his fondness for backup RBs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, suggesting the second-year rushers would have an increased workload in a running-back-by-committee approach. Stripping Hall of his featured role seemed a sure indicator of the Jets' willingness to move him this offseason.
Advertisement
However, Glenn later reached out to Hall and assured him that the team had no interest in trading the 24-year-old back. The conversation, along with the lack of movement, helped squash rumors that Hall was on the market.
A Hall trade would certainly yield a bigger return than moving Lazard. But the Jets are, rightly, hesitant to part with such a talented player. Hall appeared on his way to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2022 before a brutal knee injury ended his season after seven games (teammate Garrett Wilson would go on to claim the award).
While Hall hasn't quite lived up to the initial promise he displayed in his debut, he's still shown flashes of his immense potential over the two seasons following his knee surgery.
Hall overcame a dysfunctional Zach Wilson-led offense to post 1,585 total yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. And last season he racked up 1,359 total yards while scoring eight touchdowns in 16 games.
Advertisement
The Jets figure to feature an extremely run-heavy attack in 2025 with Justin Fields under center. So, even if Allen and Davis cut into Hall's workload, he should still get plenty of opportunities. And New York's best course of action is giving the former 36th overall draft pick another year to show what he's capable of before making a decision on his future.
That said, it is possible that Hall gets moved at the trade deadline in 2025. If the Jets are a miserable wreck and/or it becomes clear the team isn't going to sign him to an extension based on the production of Allen and Davis, New York could end up trading Hall to a contender mid-season. Still, the best outcome for Jets fans is a breakout from Hall, solidifying the position long term for the first time since Curtis Martin in the early 2000s.
Potential landing spots in an Allen Lazard trade
Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
The most obvious, and most likely, trade destination for Lazard would be the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lazard has, unquestionably, performed better with Rodgers as his quarterback. And the veteran passer is partial to the wideout.
Advertisement
Rodgers has an affinity for the familiar. His desire to be surrounded by former teammates and coaches was made clear during his time with the Jets. Previous Packers' personnel including Lazard, Hackett, Randal Cobb, Billy Turner and Davante Adams were all brought to New York to help Rodgers make the transition to a new team or, in Adams' case, to help improve his performance.
While the Jets indulged the 41-year-old signal caller, the Steelers have so far refrained from making Rodgers-related roster moves. But acquiring Lazard could be beneficial for both Rodgers and Pittsburgh.
The Steelers landed DK Metcalf during the offseason in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. However, Pittsburgh shipped George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys leaving the team with Metcalf and Robert Woods as the starting wideouts. Lazard could compete with Calvin Austin III for WR3 duties while also helping the Steelers new QB adjust.
While Pittsburgh is the most likely landing spot for Lazard, the Raiders could also be a potential fit. While Las Vegas wants to win now under new head coach Pete Carroll, the team lacks depth behind veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers. Additionally, Lazard is a capable run blocker when motivated and could help the Raiders ground attack led by Ashton Jeanty.
Related: Steelers bold predictions for 2025 season after Jalen Ramsey trade
Related: Miami Dolphins bold predictions for 2025 season after Jalen Ramsey trade
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Georgia Bulldogs true freshman stars could spark new trend for Kirby Smart as they lean on youth for 2025 college football season
Georgia Bulldogs true freshman stars could spark new trend for Kirby Smart as they lean on youth for 2025 college football season originally appeared on A to Z Sports. The 2025 Georgia Bulldogs are going to have to rely on several new starters on both sides of the ball and a ton of youth this season. Kirby Smart has commented on the lack of depth and difficulty in building the same classic monster rosters (for multiple off-seasons now) that were possible just a few years ago. Over the years Kirby Smart hasn't been one to force many true freshman talents onto the field unless they were absolutely ready (like Malaki Starks a few years back). Now, a handful of incoming true freshman stars could spark a new trend at Georgia, potentially forcing their way into action early. If that does happen, who will those stars-in-the-making be? Let's dive in. Advertisement Elijah Griffin, Five Star DL This is the easiest answer among all the incoming true freshman for Georgia. Elijah Griffin is near perfectly rated recruit, a top five overall player in the nation, and the number one defensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting class. Griffin has already been impressing this spring since arriving in Athens this past January. Whether its teammates, coaches, or media talking about Griffin, the reviews are always glowing. Christen Miller is locked in as one of the starting defensive tackles up front. Jordan Hall, Xzavier McLeod, and a few other veterans may get the nod over Griffin initially to start this fall. However, there's a good chance that Griffin works his way into the number three interior defensive lineman spot, if not number two alongside Christen Miller (who should be an early draft pick next spring). He's just too powerful, too technical, and too big, to leave off the field for long. View the original article to see embedded media. Talyn Taylor, Four Star WR The Georgia Bulldogs have had a difficult time developing and getting the most out of their high pedigree wide receivers for several years now, but Talyn Taylor could be the exception. Arian Smith and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint never put it all together consistently. Dillon Bell has done alright, but he still drops too many passes and doesn't run an extensive route tree. Tyler Williams and Anthony Evans disappointed greatly from the 2023 class. Nitro Tuggle was only in Athens for one year last season, and now he's already gone. Advertisement The disappointments have been frequent at wide receiver, but Talyn Taylor truly looks different. He's been an absolute stud on the 7-on-7 circuit for years now. Then last season he finally put it all together in full 11-on-11 as a senior, racking up over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns in 14 games. His route running and ball skills already look like the best of any Georgia WR recruit in the last five years. It might be tough to steal a starting spot this season for him, but he could easily become the first man on behind Dillon Bell or Zachariah Branch given his versatility and athleticism. View the original article to see embedded media. CJ Wiley, Four Star WR If it isn't Talyn Taylor breaking through among the true freshman wide receivers it's likely going to be CJ Wiley. He's an absolutely ripped and ready X wide receiver from day one. At 6'4", 210 pounds with arrogant hands, Wiley projects to compete alongside Colbie Young and Noah Thomas as the go-up-and-get-it perimeter threat. Wiley doesn't have anywhere near the experience of the two seniors, but his ceiling is obviously higher than either Young or Thomas. He's more agile, faster, and seems to have better ball tracking than either of his X receiver competitors for Georgia. Don't be surprised if he's earning significant looks midseason and cashing in with every opportunity. Advertisement View the original article to see embedded media. Isaiah Gibson, Five Star EDGE Isaiah Gibson was one of the most highly coveted defensive recruits in the nation for several years prior to his finalized five star status for several reasons. For starters, he's a physical force at 6'4", nearly 260 pounds already who plays with strength, aggression, and finishes hard on every single snap. But one of the best reasons that so many teams wanted him is that he's an absolute dawg on the field. He's a vocal leader, a trash talker, and one who can actually back it up with his play. Georgia fans and his teammates are going to immediately gravitate towards him, loving everything he does for the Bulldogs. That kind of personality and talent mix almost always finds its way onto the field early. And frankly, after losing seven of their top eight pass rushers from a season ago (over 1,700 pass rush snaps gone), Georgia may not have any choice but to get him on the field early and often this year. View the original article to see embedded media. We'll be back with more Georgia Bulldogs coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news! And if you want to see why Talyn Taylor could break the chain of disappointing high pedigree wide receivers for Georgia just take a look at some of his senior season highlights below. View the original article to see embedded media. View the original article to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
27 minutes ago
- USA Today
Chargers great named one of best draft values of millennium
The Chargers have hit on a handful of players in the first round over the years. But they've also found some gems beyond Round 1, including safety Eric Weddle. NFL Media's Eric Edholm went position by position and identified the best NFL draft values of the millennium, and sided with the highest-achieving lower selections. Weddle, who was selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft (No. 37 overall), checked in at No. 3, behind Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu and ahead of Adrian Wilson and Kam Chancellor. Weddle quickly became one of the league's best center fielders, able to impact the game in coverage and as an open-field tackler, earning two first-team and three second-team All-Pro honors in a dominant five-season span (2010-14) in San Diego. He was a tough, smart and reliable player for nearly a decade with the Chargers, later adding three Pro Bowl invitations with the Ravens. Weddle also came out of retirement to help the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, in spite of being out of the game for nearly two full years before his return. Edholm mentioned he was weighing Weddle against another early second-rounder, Budda Baker, who was taken one spot earlier 10 years later, in the 2017 NFL draft. While Baker has tallied more Pro Bowl invitations than Weddle, his overall body of work with the team that drafted him was just a bit stronger on the whole than what Baker has done in eight seasons for the Cardinals. During his time with the Chargers, his best ability might've been his availability, playing in 137 games and starting 122 of them. A highly productive player in the blue and gold, Weddle amassed 847 tackles, 19 interceptions, and four defensive touchdowns en route to earning three Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro selections. After nine seasons with the Bolts, Weddle went on to spend three seasons with the Ravens (2016-18). The San Diego native then played with the Rams in two separate stints, with the first being in 2019 and the other being in 2021, in which he returned from retirement to play in the 2021 postseason, helping out in L.A.'s Super Bowl win.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Chase Claypool says he's stronger and faster than ever after missing last season
Almost a year ago, wide receiver Chase Claypool suffered a toe injury in Bills training camp that was initially described as day-to-day but ended up being so serious that it cost him the entire season. Now Claypool is unsigned, but says he's ready to have the best year of his career. Claypool wrote on social media that he needed extensive medical treatment and rehab but is now capable of doing everything he's ever done on the football field. Advertisement "I tore a ligament and a tendon in my second toe and have been rehabbing, working out, and recovering every day for the past year," Claypool wrote. "I am back to being the strongest and fastest I've ever been and couldn't be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves. I deeply and truly believe that the pieces will align, and I will work my way into the position to show off what's been suppressed these last two years." The 27-year-old Claypool has talent, which is why the Steelers drafted him in the second round in 2020 and why the Bears traded a second-round pick to acquire him in 2022. But after a promising first couple of seasons in Pittsburgh, his production plummeted. In 2023 he caught just eight passes while playing for two teams, the Bears and Dolphins, and then didn't play at all in 2024. Claypool has fallen a long way from when he was one of the NFL's best rookie receivers five years ago, but he has shown enough in his NFL career that some team will likely give him a chance to show in training camp that he really is stronger and faster than ever.
