Allen Lazard is not just one of the New York Jets' top wide receivers. Lazard has taken on an important secondary role with his new team after signing as a free agent this offseason.
āIām trying to put my coaching cap on,ā Lazard told ESPNās NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Former Packersā and new Jetsā WR @AllenLazard is doing some fill-in coaching for his new team.
š§ https://t.co/klp61Sni68 pic.twitter.com/vcRegwRqCB
ā Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 22, 2023
Though new to the Jets, the 27-year-old has longstanding relationships with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett from their time together in Green Bay with the Packers. That puts Lazard in the unique situation where the newcomer can teach the offense and Rodgersā tendencies to his Jets teammates.
āIāve been in this offense for so long. Iāve [spoken] the language and know this terminology so well. ⦠trying to give these guys my tidbits I used in certain plays and certain routes and spacing,ā Lazard explained.
Article Continues BelowāAnd [itās] also what Aaron prefers and what heās thinking because at the end of the day the coaches can sit up there and talk about the Xs and Os and things on paper, but ⦠it matters how we execute out there on the field. If weāre on the same page, weāre able to do very special things, especially when you have Aaron Rodgers at the helm.ā
Getting right to it. @AaronRodgers12 āļø @AllenLazard pic.twitter.com/PxJ9NwpNgP
ā New York Jets (@nyjets) April 27, 2023
Lazard excelled in this offense with the Packers and has an excellent rapport with Rodgers. The undrafted free agent caught an NFL career-high 60 passes for 788 yards last season. He has 20 touchdown catches since 2019.
The Jets' depth chart at receiver is impressive. Along with Lazard, thereās 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, speedster Mecole Hardman, veteran Corey Davis and another Rodgers favorite from Green Bay, Randall Cobb.