NFL Analysis
3/14/23
3 min read
Lazard, OBJ on Rodgers' List to Jets of Free Agent Receivers to Sign
Aaron Rodgers appears ready to get the band back together, just not in Green Bay
While the New York Jets — and the rest of the world — wait for the quarterback's decision to play in 2023, Rodgers has given the team trying to trade for him, and the only one to meet with him, a list of free agent receivers he wants them to sign, ESPN reported on Tuesday.
The list includes some very familiar names to Rodgers: WR Allen Lazard, WR Randall Cobb, TE Marcedes Lewis — good friends and trusted targets in Green Bay — and Odell Beckham Jr., whom the quarterback on more than one occasion attempted to recruit to the Packers in the past.
The Jets appear to be further along with Lazard, but no deal has been struck as at least one other team is reportedly pursuing him in free agency.
Lazard played under current Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett when Hackett was the Packers' offensive coordinator before his one-year stint as head coach in Denver. Assuming the Rodgers trade goes through, Lazard and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson would provide Rodgers with a pair of young and talented receiving targets and one he already has built a rapport with over the last five seasons.
Last month while attending Super Bowl LVII festivities in Phoenix, Lazard told TMZ there was no quarterback greater than Rodgers in the history of the NFL.
"The greatest of all time," Lazard said. "Not might, no might. Drop the might. He's the G.O.A.T. The best person to ever pick up a football and throw the ball. I'll leave it at that."
Beckham held a workout for NFL teams last Friday to show how far he has come in his recovery from the torn ACL suffered more than a year ago in Super Bowl LVI. He sat out for the entire 2022 season but looked healthy enough during his workout to draw interest from multiple teams.
In the past, Rodgers has commented on the potential of playing with Beckham. Last October before the trade deadline, while Beckham was still recovering, Rodgers was asked about the possibility of the Packers signing the receiver.
“I’m always going to be for adding anybody to our squad who can help us win," Rodgers said. "Whether or not we need an OBJ, who knows, but I like the person, love the player and just want him to be healthy, honestly. He’s been through a lot the last few years, and that’s the most important thing.”
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show in 2021, Rodgers described their relationship as more than just an acquaintance: “We’ve been friends for a long time, kept in touch and met at some events and just, you know, sent encouraging messages. During the seasons, over the years.”
