Allen Lazard signed in New York last season to continue catching passes from Aaron Rodgers after spending five seasons in Green Bay with the four-time MVP quarterback. Once Rodgers went down with injury, however, Lazard's season went in the tank.
The 28-year-old wideout struggled to gain any traction as the Jets cycled through QBs. In 14 games, he earned 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown, all his lowest figures since playing one game as a rookie. Lazard was eventually benched due to ineffective play.
"It was tough, a really tough year," Lazard said Monday, via the team's official website. "I think it was arguably the hardest year of my career. A lot of adversity, moving cities, having a new team and a new environment, obviously losing Aaron, that was detrimental for the team. After playing alongside him the last four seasons, I was trying to figure out how I still be impactful."
Cutting Lazard this offseason would have left $18.735 million in dead money with zero cap savings, so Gang Green let it ride, bringing him back with the hope that he can recapture some magic with Rodgers returning.
With Mike Williams starting camp on the physically unable to perform list, Lazard has had a chance to prove he still deserves snaps. There are reps to be had behind Garrett Wilson, with Xavier Gipson, who is dealing with a leg injury, and rookie Malachi Corley also battling for snaps.
"I want to reestablish the value I bring to this team, not only on the field but in the locker room and the community," he said. "I just want to be able to put my best foot forward going into the season."
So far, Lazard's offseason has been a positive step in that direction.
"I thought he handled last year like a pro," head coach Robert Saleh said. "He could've gone off the rails like a lot of guys would and started pointing fingers. I think he's done a great job attacking this offseason. I think he's done a great job getting his feet settled where he is. … He's doing a phenomenal job in the receiver room, just talking with his guys and doing a great job in practice. His head is in the right spot."