As the world continues to wait on word from Aaron Rodgers, the Jets appear to be close to adding a couple of his friends.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gang Green is close to adding Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard, who is a free agent. The team is also targeting wide receiver Randall Cobb, who is one of Rodgers’ best friends and has played 10 seasons in Green Bay with the veteran quarterback.
ESPN also reports that the Jets are interested in Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis. The former 2006 first-round pick of the Jaguars has spent the last five seasons in Green Bay. Lewis caught six receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns last season.
The Jets are still awaiting Rodgers’ decision regarding his future as he could retire, accept a trade to the Jets or return to the Packers — although that seems less likely. On the first day of free agency, current NFL insider and former ESPN personality Trey Wingo said he heard, “Rodgers to the Jets is done.” However, sources said nothing has been finalized.
If they are trying to convince Rodgers to join the Jets, adding familiar faces isn’t the worst thing in the world. Last season, Lazard recorded 60 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns as he averaged 13.1 yards per catch. In his 12th season in the league, Cobb caught 34 passes for 417 yards and one touchdown.
The Jets could use some help at receiver alongside Garrett Wilson, who was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year following an 83-catch, 1,103-yard and four-touchdown season. No other wide receiver caught more than 40 receptions as tight end Tyler Conklin (58) and running back Michael Carter (41) were the Jets' second and third leading pass catchers in 2022.
Although the NFL’s negotiating period has begun, the Jets could still release veteran Corey Davis to gain $10.5 million salary cap relief. In his two seasons with the Jets, Davis has failed to live up to expectations after signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract he signed with the Jets in 2021.
Last year, Davis finished with 32 catches for 536 yards and two touchdowns. During his two years with the Jets, Davis has missed 12 games due to various injuries.
The Jets could also use more receiver help as they’re not extending a restricted free agent tender to Jeff Smith. In 2019, the Jets signed Smith as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College. During his four seasons with the Jets, Smith recorded 34 receptions for 426 yards as he was mainly used on special teams.
