In a tumultuous offseason, the New York Jets faced uncertainty following Aaron Rodgers' fallout with the franchise. A pivotal moment came with the release of Davante Adams, but in a surprising twist, Allen Lazard opted to take a hefty pay cut of $8.5 million to stay with the team. Initially struggling, Lazard recorded disappointing stats in his first season with the Jets, posting career lows in catches, yards, and touchdowns. His inability to connect with quarterback Zach Wilson and high drop rate placed him in a challenging light, leading to his temporary benching.

However, things took a turn for the better in 2024 when Rodgers returned as the starting quarterback. With a newfound connection established, Lazard improved substantially, achieving 37 receptions for 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. This resurgence demonstrates the importance of quarterback-receiver dynamics in fantasy football, as well as the potential for players to rebound after a rocky start.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with aspirations of adding more firepower for Aaron Rodgers, who has signed a one-year deal. Following their acquisition of DK Metcalf, the Steelers reportedly have their eyes on notable players like Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith for trading as they look to strengthen their offense. Allen Lazard, a familiar target for Rodgers from his Packers days, is also being considered. With nearly $32 million in cap space available, the Steelers are strategizing additional moves to enhance their offensive capabilities.

The New York Jets are banking on their young wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, who has consistently exceeded 1,000 yards in his first three seasons, despite subpar quarterback performances. With the arrival of Justin Fields, Wilson's college teammate, the Jets hope to stabilize their quarterback situation. However, they still lack a definitive second wide receiver on the roster, relying on a combination of veterans and young talent to support Wilson. The Jets' receiving corps includes players like Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, and rookie Arian Smith, indicating a mix of experience and potential as they look to enhance their passing game.

The New York Jets have made significant offseason moves under GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn, including acquiring quarterback Justin Fields to rejuvenate his career. However, a glaring issue remains unaddressed: the receiver position. While they drafted Mason Taylor and Arian Smith, neither is poised to make a game-changing impact alongside star Garrett Wilson. PFF highlights the need for a reliable second option, noting that last season, only Davante Adams, besides Wilson, had a satisfactory receiving grade. Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds are the current top options, but questions linger about their ability to effectively support Fields in the upcoming season.

Jerry Jones has ignited the NFL offseason with a bold trade for George Pickens, aiming to enhance the Dallas Cowboys' receiving corps. While the Steelers are now left searching for a suitable replacement, several potential names have surfaced, including Allen Lazard, Keenan Allen, and Amari Cooper, each with unique attributes and past performances that could bolster Pittsburgh's offense. Meanwhile, the NFL schedule release is approaching, with exciting matchups and international games on the horizon, notably a Week 1 game in Brazil featuring the Chargers and a potential clash with the Chiefs.

The schedule will also see the Lions and Cowboys return to their Thanksgiving traditions, alongside a groundbreaking Christmas tripleheader. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the fallout from recent trades and free agency decisions will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape for 2025.