The Pittsburgh Steelers are the most talked about team in the NFL currently due to their consistent pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time league MVP is taking his time in making a decision with what to do with his future, as he seems likely to sign in Pittsburgh, but retirement could still be on the table. The Steelers are the only realistic landing spot for the veteran, but he could still be holding out hope that the Minnesota Vikings will grow interested in his services.
ESPN
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a home game with the team.
Rodgers is still a decent quarterback despite the fact that he is 41 years old. He put up decent numbers with a dysfunctional organization in the New York Jets during the 2024 season, all while bouncing back from a serious Achilles injury that kept him out for all but one possession in 2023.
He seemed to get better with each game, and the ceiling for Pittsburgh could be pretty high with Rodgers under center. Some fans are against Rodgers coming to Pittsburgh due to his off-the-field antics, which have included bringing his former teammates to a new team.
If Rodgers signs with the Steelers, there is a decent chance he is going to want to see Allen Lazard in the black and gold as well. ESPN reporter Rich Cimini commented on the future of Lazard in New York, and he mentioned that is a chance he reunite with Rodgers.
"Wide receiver Allen Lazard could stay with the team, but he will have to take a significant pay cut on his $11 million (non-guaranteed) base salary," Cimini wrote. "General Manager Darren Mougey said they're 'working through' a potential restructure. Lazard could be waiting to see if a reunion with free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers is possible before deciding on the Jets' proposal."
Rodgers and Lazard originally played together for five seasons with the Green Bay Packers, and Lazard followed his quarterback to New York. The wide receiver is under contract for the next two seasons with the Jets, but he can be released or traded from New York. He has never played on a team as a professional without Rodgers, so it should be reasonable to expect to see another reunion.
Perry Knotts / Getty Images
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard embrace before a game in 2024.
Lazard is a productive wide receiver, but by no means should he be considered a game-changer for the Pittsburgh offense. He is a big-bodied wideout that could provide some depth behind DK Metcalf and George Pickens, but he has also played a significant amount of snaps from the slot in his career. He can add a big body option to the offense in that regard in substitution of Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.
Rodgers has always been very particular when it comes to his receivers and how they run routes. This was amplified by his public bashing of Mike Williams after a Jets loss in 2024. He is familiar with Lazard and his game, so he could very well request that the organization find a way to bring the veteran wide-out into the fold.
AP
Former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a round of golf.
Steelers Could Set Dangerous Precedent By Bring In Allen Lazard
There was some speculation that Rodgers had a hand in the firing of former Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh as he was relieved of his duties in the middle of the 2024 season. The veteran quarterback was believed to be making a lot of the decisions in New York which included bringing in Lazard, trading for Devonte Adams, and signing Randall Cobb in 2023. Every move seemed to be crafted to Rodgers' liking, which is what Pittsburgh would be doing by acquiring Lazard.
There is a world where Lazard is actually able to help the offense, but that is the only reason Pittsburgh should consider a move like that. The organization can't allow Rodgers to think he is calling the shots.
What do you think about adding Lazard to the roster in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
