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PALM BEACH, Fla. — Don’t say goodbye to Allen Lazard just yet, Jets fans.
The team’s general manager, Darren Mougey, announced on Sunday that they are currently in the process of negotiating a contract restructure with Lazard. This comes as a surprise to many, as most people expected the team to release him.
Mougey said they are “working through that” right now when asked about Lazard.
When pressed what he meant, he said they are discussing a contract restructure.
Mougey said they want Lazard to be on the team.
“That’s the hope,” Mougey said. “We’ll work through that.”
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Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets in 2023.
He has two years left on that deal that calls him to be paid $11 million this season and carry a $13.2 million salary cap number.
The Jets signed Lazard a month before trading for Aaron Rodgers in 2023, reuniting the two former Packers.
The Lazard move was seen as part of the team’s effort to make Rodgers feel comfortable with the Jets.
When the team moved on from Rodgers this offseason, the expectation was that Lazard would not be far behind him.
The team gave Lazard’s agent permission to seek a trade but nothing has developed.
Mougey said any contract extensions would come after the NFL draft.
Looking ahead to the upcoming offseason, there are high expectations that the 2022 first-round draft picks, Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, will be looking to secure contract extensions. This will be their first opportunity to do so.
Alijah Vera-Tucker and Quincy Williams also could look for extensions entering the final years of their contracts.
Mougey emphasized the importance of discussing potential extensions for various players. He mentioned that they are fortunate to have a number of players who are eligible for early extensions or whose contracts are up for renewal. While these discussions are ongoing, Mougey stated that his primary focus at the moment is on the upcoming draft. Once the draft is concluded, the team will shift their attention to exploring potential extensions for players.
Mougey said Vera-Tucker will stay at guard but mentioned his ability to play tackle as a plus.
He also said free agent signee Josh Myers will “push” Joe Tippmann at center.
