### Jets Bid Farewell to Allen Lazard After Disappointing Tenure The New York Jets have officially released wide receiver Allen Lazard, marking the end of a tumultuous three-season relationship. Lazard, who was signed to a lucrative four-year, $44 million contract in 2023, failed to meet expectations, contributing only 10 receptions for 70 yards and a single touchdown in the current season. This decision comes as the Jets, currently struggling with a 3-11 record, look to rebuild their roster and move on from the disappointing Aaron Rodgers era, which saw Lazard brought in as a key target for the veteran quarterback [https://nypost.com/2025/12/16/sports/jets-finally-cutting-44-million-free-agent-bust-allen-lazard, https://apnews.com/article/jets-lazard-da9a5ef1b44767450ec8fb7331d328b1]. ### Breakdown of the Release Decision 1. **Mutual Agreement**: The release was described as a mutual decision between Lazard and the Jets, with reports indicating that Lazard requested to be let go due to his diminished role in the offense [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/york-jets-release-wide-receiver-175626996.html, https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_grant_wr_allen_lazards_request_for_release/s1_17039_43211973]. 2. **Performance Issues**: Lazard's performance this season has been lackluster, with only 10 catches in 10 games, leading to questions about his fit within the team's offensive scheme [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_release_veteran_wide_receiver_possible_team_fits_emerge/s1_17198_43212957]. 3. **Contract and Expectations**: Signed to a hefty contract to attract him to the Jets alongside Aaron Rodgers, Lazard's production did not justify the investment, especially as the team struggled offensively [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/allen_lazard_released_by_the_new_york_jets/s1_17396_43212135]. 4. **Future Prospects**: Following his release, Lazard is expected to seek a position with a playoff-contending team, potentially reuniting with former teammates [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/former_packers_receiver_hits_free_agency_after_jets_grant_release/s1_17009_43212326]. ### Supporting Evidence of Lazard's Decline - **Season Statistics**: In the 2025 season, Lazard recorded: - **10 receptions** - **70 receiving yards** - **1 touchdown** - **Career Overview**: Over his career, Lazard has accumulated: - **239 receptions** - **3,147 receiving yards** - **28 touchdowns** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_release_veteran_wide_receiver_possible_team_fits_emerge/s1_17198_43212957]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Jets and Lazard In summary, the New York Jets' decision to release Allen Lazard reflects a broader strategy to revamp their roster amid a disappointing season. The mutual agreement to part ways highlights both the player's struggles and the team's need to move forward. As Lazard enters free agency, he will likely seek opportunities that align better with his skills and aspirations, while the Jets continue their search for a more effective offensive strategy moving forward. 1. **Release Context**: Lazard's release is part of the Jets' rebuilding efforts. 2. **Performance Decline**: His underwhelming statistics contributed to the decision. 3. **Future Opportunities**: Lazard aims to join a contending team post-release. This marks a significant moment in the Jets' ongoing transformation as they look to shed the remnants of a failed experiment and build a more competitive team for the future [https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/16/jets-allen-lazard-nfl-release-aaron-rodgers, https://abc7ny.com/post/source-jets-release-receiver-allen-lazard-seasons/18292226].