Packers 2023 free agency profile: What’s next for Allen Lazard?

Allen Lazard led the Green Bay Packers in receiving this season.

Lazard was an undrafted free agent, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. The Packers signed Lazard from the Jaguars’ practice squad in December of that year, and the rest was history.

From undrafted to the Packers’ leading receiver in a little over four years.

But what’s next? There’s little doubt Lazard will land a new deal, but with which team?

Why the Packers re-sign Allen Lazard

Lazard is a reliable receiver for the Packers. He knows the offense.

With 37 starts and 169 receptions over the past three seasons, Lazard has become a trusted receiver in Green Bay. He is also coming off a career year, leading the team in receiving with 60 catches for 788 yards and six touchdowns.

Lazard is an excellent blocker. He is responsible for many big plays on offense, even when the ball isn’t in his hands.

Green Bay could lose Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, and Randall Cobb in free agency. That’s a lot of experience. Lazard could lead the receiving room and give either Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love a reliable target in the passing game.

Why the Packers don’t re-sign Allen Lazard

The Packers drafted Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs last year, and they could add to the wide receiver corps during the draft.

If Aaron Rodgers isn’t back in 2023, it’s entirely possible Green Bay decides to move forward with Watson and Doubs as the top two receivers, before adding another couple of pass catchers in the draft.

The salary cap could also be an issue. According to Spotrac, the Packers are a little over $17.5 million over the salary cap for 2023. They may not be able to compete with other teams interested in signing Lazard.

If Rodgers returns, re-signing Lazard makes a ton of sense. But if the four-time MVP is traded or retires, it’s possible Lazard could also be gone in 2023.