It’s official! Our very own Allen Lazard has signed a one-year tender offer with the Green Bay Packers to remain on the team for the next season.
Lazard is the team’s top returning receiver and one of the most versatile offensive players in the league. As he enters a contract season, he’s set to push his boundaries on some of his career-best records he set in 2021: receptions (40), yards (513), and touchdowns (8), with a career-high of 60 targets and averaging an impressive 15.9 yards per catch. Despite missing 2.5 games last season, these numbers placed Lazard close to WR2 behind former teammate Davante Adams.
As one of the premier second and third level run-blocking receivers in the league, Lazard’s return to Green Bay could be the final piece to an offense that bodes one of the most diverse sets of threat options for the next season. At 6-5 and nearly 230 pounds, Lazard is a large option for Aaron Rodgers, with a history of performing in high leverage game situations and on special teams when needed.
At Green Bay’s off-season minicamp last week, coach Matt LaFleur had this to say about Lazard: “We obviously would love him to be here with us. He’s a big part of our football team, not only just by his play but by how he goes out there and works and helps the other guys along.”
The trust that Lazard has built up with teammate Aaron Rodgers led Rodgers to express his confidence in Lazard becoming the Packers’ no. 1 receiver: “He’s been our dirty-work guy for most of his career here. Now he’s getting an opportunity to be a No. 1 receiver. I’m not worried about him at all stepping into that role. I’ve talked to him a lot. I know how he takes care of his body, and I know he’ll be ready when he’s here.”
Lazard’s growth over the past three years is one of the reasons the Packers were able to move on from Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason. He’s developing into a true number one wide receiver in the NFL, and we’re looking forward to seeing him take it to the next level this next season.