The NFL rumor mill is buzzing, and Allen Lazard is at the heart of it. As of May 7, 2025, reports from ProFootballTalk indicate that the Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing a trade for the New York Jets wide receiver, potentially reuniting him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This move could reshape the Steelers’ offense, especially after trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Lazard, a 29-year-old veteran, has a history with Rodgers from their Green Bay Packers days, making this a storyline worth watching. Let’s dive into why this trade talk has fans on edge and what it means for both teams.
Why Allen Lazard Matters to Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ receiving corps needs a spark. After acquiring DK Metcalf and parting ways with Pickens, Pittsburgh still lacks depth. Allen Lazard could fill that gap. His 2024 season with the Jets wasn’t stellar—60 receptions for 841 yards and six touchdowns over two years—but his chemistry with Rodgers is undeniable. Sources like ESPN highlight Rodgers’ trust in Lazard, built through years of precise route-running and clutch catches in Green Bay. If Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh, as many expect, Lazard’s familiarity could be a game-changer.
Lazard’s role as a blocker also adds value. Jets coach Aaron Glenn praised his physicality, which aligns with the Steelers’ gritty style. However, his $13.2 million cap hit in 2025 is a hurdle. The Jets, per ESPN, reduced it to $4.6 million by restructuring his deal, making a trade more feasible. Pittsburgh’s interest, as noted in X posts, hinges on Rodgers’ decision, expected soon after the NFL schedule release on May 14.
Key Stats: Lazard’s 2024 Season
| Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Avg. Yards/Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 60 | 841 | 6 | 14.0 |
Allen Lazard’s Waiting Game
The trade talk isn’t just about Pittsburgh’s needs—Lazard’s future hangs in the balance. Allen Lazard is reportedly holding off on further Jets contract decisions, waiting to see if Rodgers lands in Pittsburgh, according to insider Rich Cimini. This “waiting game” stems from their tight bond, forged when Rodgers spotted Lazard’s potential on Green Bay’s practice squad in 2018. The Jets, moving on from Rodgers’ era, have already cut ties with Davante Adams and allowed Lazard to seek trades since March 2025, per ESPN. No takers emerged then, but Pittsburgh’s interest changes the equation.
If traded, Lazard could thrive in Pittsburgh’s system under coach Mike Tomlin. His 6’5” frame and reliable hands make him a red-zone threat, complementing Metcalf’s deep-ball prowess. Yet, risks remain. Lazard’s production dipped after a chest injury in Week 7 of 2024 against Pittsburgh, limiting his role upon return. Fans on X speculate he’d be a “budget-friendly” addition, possibly for a sixth-round pick, but the Jets might cut him if no deal materializes.
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What’s Next for Lazard and the Steelers?
The Steelers’ quarterback saga adds intrigue. Without Rodgers, they’re left with Mason Rudolph or Will Howard—neither inspiring confidence, per SI.com. Rodgers’ visit to Pittsburgh on March 21 and his workout with Metcalf fuel optimism, as reported by ESPN. If he signs, Lazard’s trade becomes almost inevitable, creating a Rodgers-Lazard-Metcalf trio that could terrorize defenses. But if Rodgers retires or joins Minnesota, Lazard might stay with the Jets, backing up young receivers like Garrett Wilson.
For fans, this saga is a rollercoaster. Will Lazard don the black and gold? Will Rodgers finally commit? The answers lie in the coming weeks, with the NFL schedule release as a key deadline. Stay tuned—this story is far from over, and Allen Lazard remains the name to watch.