3 potential Jets trade candidates entering 2024 training camp
Each of these players have different issues to contend with this summer
Similar to last summer, the New York Jets will be dreaming of lifting the Lombardi Trophy in February. Of course, it would help if Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles tendon doesn’t snap four plays into the season this time around.
With the franchise’s ever-elusive second Super Bowl win once again in its crosshairs, its goal will be to continue adding and developing talent, rather than trading for draft capital. New York’s current regime will most likely be gone if it doesn’t make the playoffs this year, so it doesn’t have the luxury of focusing on tomorrow.
However, fringe players and aging backups could still be dealt, depending on the level of value they’d fetch in a trade. If they’re unlikely to get playing time during the season anyway, the team may as well get assets back for them while they still can.
Who might the Jets trade as training camp approaches?
WR Allen Lazard
Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million deal with New York last offseason, as part of the team’s efforts to get as many of Rodgers’ friends in the building as possible. The Iowa State alum enjoyed a productive four years with the legendary quarterback in Green Bay but struggled after he went down last season. He recorded just 23 receptions on 49 targets for 311 yards and a touchdown, and it was easily the worst season of his career.
While Lazard’s past chemistry with Rodgers was the main reason why the Jets brought him in, the two weren’t in sync during OTAs this past spring, via The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt.
“There hasn’t been evidence yet of a resurgence for Lazard with Aaron Rodgers back,” Rosenblatt said. “The $44 million receiver had a rough day on Wednesday [May 29th]. During seven-on-seven drills, Lazard dropped a pass from Rodgers at the sideline. In 11-on-11 drills in the red zone, Lazard was one-on-one with fifth-round rookie cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers — who didn’t play in college and spent last year in the CFL — and Stiggers got the better of him. Lazard failed to properly position himself on a back shoulder throw from Rodgers. All told, Rodgers was 1 of 5 when targeting Lazard in seven-on-seven or 11-on-11 drills — and 8 for 10 when targeting anyone else.”
Without the Rodgers chemistry, Lazard has little value, especially with the team’s addition of Mike Williams in free agency. He could also fall behind Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee in camp, depending on their performances. Both were standout rookies last summer, and Gipson carried it into the regular season, registering 21 catches for 229 yards. He also had eight rushes for 68 yards and a touchdown, as well as the game-winning punt return touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 on Monday Night Football.