Packers are getting back Mr. Do-It-All Allen Lazard
Allen Lazard isn’t going anywhere. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Green Bay Packers tendered the four-year veteran on Tuesday morning.
It is a second-round tender that will pay the former undrafted WR roughly $4 million next season. This is proof that the former Iowa State Cyclone has come a long way since going undrafted in 2018 and being cut by Jacksonville. This is a smart move by Green Bay considering Lazard is one of the most versatile receivers in the game.
No. 13 first made his presence known in 2019 during training camp. Lazard was making plays every single day on the practice squad. He even caught the eye of No. 12. The starting QB of the Packers even wondered why he wasn’t playing with the starters and backups on the 53-man roster.
After being waived on August 31 of that season, he was signed again to the practice squad the next day. On September 4, he was signed to the active roster and didn’t look back. Most or all Packers fans should remember when he first let the NFL world know who he was.
In Week 6 on Monday Night Football vs. the Detroit Lions, Lazard emerged as go-to receiver for Rodgers. He caught four passes for 65 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown catch. Green Bay would go on to win 23-22.
Lazard would finish his season with 35 catches, 477 yards, and three touchdowns. No, it wasn’t an All-Pro season. But he repeatedly rewarded his quarterback’s confidence time and time again. In 2020, Lazard posted similar numbers but he missed six games due to a core muscle injury. He had 33 catches, 451 yards, and three touchdowns. Last season, the Iowa native set career highs in receptions (40), yards (513), and touchdowns (eight).
Statistics aside, Lazard has proven to be one of the most versatile receivers in the game. He can line up on the outside, in the slot, or on the line as a TE. He can run any type of route from go routes, drags, post routes, and even a staple in Green Bay, the out route.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and nearly 230 lbs, Lazard is arguably the best run-blocking receiver in the NFL. Having both him and TE Marcedes Lewis, who is arguably the best run-blocking TE in the game, gives the Green Bay ground attack a whole new wrinkle.
He is not only versatile on the offensive side of things, though. Much has been said about the struggles of Green Bay’s special teams. Matt LaFleur told the media this past season that Lazard had asked to play on special teams. He wanted to do whatever it takes to get this team on the winning side.
That’s who Allen Lazard is as a player. He is willing to play anywhere and everywhere for his team. He does multiple jobs at such a high level. That is why the Packers needed to tender him.
LaFleur gets another key offensive piece back. Rodgers gets a familiar option back. No. 13 gets to stay in the place that he’s called home for the last three years. It’s a win-win for the Packers and Allen Lazard. All Packers fans must rejoice!