RODGERS WATCH: Lazard Shows QB on Instagram Story while Jets-Packers Trade Buzz Increases
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New York Jets' free-agent addition Allen Lazard has a relationship with Aaron Rodgers that has extended beyond the receiver's stint in Green Bay.
After officially becoming a Jet last month, the 6-foot-5 pass-catcher has found some time to spend with his old quarterback.
Delivering juicy content to his Instagram followers, Lazard posted a photo that shows the receiver running past Rodgers during what appears to be a friendly workout.
Placing text over the photo posted to his Instagram story, Lazard directly tagged Rodgers' account and wrote, "Always smokin past this dude [emoji] @aaronrodgers12."
Although Rodgers expressed his desire to play for Gang Green, and subsequently reunite with Lazard on a NFL field, the Green Bay Packers still hold the 39-year old signal caller's rights.
The fact that Lazard and Rodgers are engaging in workouts together serves as a positive sign for anxious Jets' fans, who are awaiting official word on a finalized trade deal.
Lazard, a former undrafted signing out of Iowa State, emerged as a top target in Green Bay's Rodgers-led passing attack. Posting team-best marks, Lazard made 60 receptions for 788 receiving yards in 2022.
Lazard also used his Instagram story to celebrate Tim Boyle's deal with the Jets on Thursday. The two played two seasons (2019-20) together in Green Bay.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (l) and Receiver Allen Lazard (r)
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN
ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler provided an update on the Rodgers' trade negotiations between the Jets and Packers.
"A lot of this deal, I'm told, remains pretty much done," said Fowler while appearing on ESPN.
Fowler also reaffirmed the notion that the Jets would not be forced into giving up their 2023 first-round draft pick as trade compensation for Rodgers.
Similar to what senior NFL insider Peter King recently surmised, Fowler suggested that the Jets and Packers could complete the Rodgers deal after the NFL Draft begins on April 27.
In the April 3 edition of his "Football Morning In America" column, King wrote, "I think the over/under date for the Aaron Rodgers trade is early evening April 28. That’s when the second round of the NFL Draft begins. That’s when the first of likely two or three draft choices to be exchanged would happen. The Jets have the 11th and 12th picks in round two, 42nd and 43rd overall, and I’d bet one of those picks will be the key to this trade getting done."
In other happenings, the Jets officially announced the signing of free agent punter Thomas Morstead on Friday. Morstead, who spent the 2021 season as a Miami Dolphin, posted a tweet signifying his imminent return to the Jets on March 17.
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