A key piece to the Aaron Rodgers puzzle has found its place in New York.
The Jets are working to finalize a deal with receiver Allen Lazard for four years and $44 million, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported.
Lazard has spent his entire career in Green Bay with Rodgers, and he's been identified as an important player whose addition in New York could increase the likelihood Rodgers approves a trade sending him from the Packers to the Jets.
The deal might also spell the end of Corey Davis' time in New York due to room on the depth chart, and more importantly, salary-cap space. The Jets can save roughly $10 million by releasing Davis, and the addition of Lazard may just be the first of a few new pieces headed to New York to improve the chances of Rodgers packing his backs for the Empire State.
Lazard's time in Green Bay has been productive as a secondary option in an offense largely directed by coach Matt LaFleur. Lazard has recorded 400-plus receiving yards in each of his last four seasons, and in his first year without Davante Adams on his team, Lazard set a new career-high mark with 788 yards to go along with six receiving touchdowns.
New York isn't in the market for a No. 1 receiver, not after Garrett Wilson earned Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2022. But if the Jets are hoping to land Rodgers, a move such as this indicates they're well aware of what it will take -- making Rodgers happy -- in order to get such a massive move done.
Speaking of Rodgers, the four-time MVP will be on The Pat McAfee Show at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, signaling a potential end to this on-going saga.
