Saleh Shows Loves for Free Agent Signings Lazard and Hardman
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Robert Saleh's smile seemed brightest when he spoke about the New York Jets' two newly-signed free agent receivers.
While addressing reporters during a 30-minute press conference at the NFL Owners' Meetings, Saleh ran through the multitude of desirable traits that Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman bring to the table.
First, the third-year head coach shared his thoughts on Lazard, who signed a four-year deal with the Jets following four-plus seasons in Green Bay.
“The guy is just an enormous person. He’s got good ball skills. He’s a really good target in the red zone,” said Saleh, who proceeded to highlight Lazard’s background.
“I’m one of those guys who just loves guys who come from the bottom and made his way up,” said Saleh.
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The 6-foot-5 Lazard, who played his college ball for Iowa State, went undrafted in 2018 before eventually emerging as one of Aaron Rodgers' top targets. The Packers claimed the then-rookie Lazard off the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Practice Squad in December 2018.
Over 57 regular season appearances for Green Bay, Lazard caught 169 passes for 2,236 yards and 20 touchdowns. In 2022, he set career highs while leading all Packers’ pass-catchers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788).
Saleh worries little about a player like Lazard resting on his laurels.
“I’ve always made the comment that you want to be careful who you give your money to in free agency because a lot of complacency can set in,” said Saleh. “He’s a guy that kind of scratched and clawed his way through and you’re just very confident that if you give him that money, he’s only going to get better.”
Lazard’s four-year contract is worth $44 million according to Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report).
Noting that the addition of Hardman brings "Gas" to the Jets' offense, Saleh proceeded to mention the former Kansas City Chiefs' second-round pick in the same sentence as San Francisco 49ers' stud receiver Deebo Samuel.
“He’s got elite, elite field vision with the ball in his hands. I think he’s second in the NFL in YAC, behind only Deebo Samuel,” said Saleh, who was the 49ers' defensive coordinator when the team drafted Samuel.
Hardman has especially gained notoriety for on-field speed.
“I know he ran a 4.3, but he plays 4.3,” said Saleh in reference to the blazing-fast 40-yard dash that Hardman ran at the 2019 NFL Combine.
He routinely displayed his explosiveness as a rookie during Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV championship season. Hardman gained 1,426 all-purpose yards en-route to earning a 2019 Pro Bowl nod as a return specialist. The 5-foot-10 receiver averaged an eye-popping 20.7 yards reception and scored seven touchdowns during his inaugural NFL campaign.
“He can blow the top off the coverage. It is very easy to get him the football with regards to jet sweeps, screens and bubbles and all that," said Saleh, who also called Hardman an “underrated route runner.”
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In 57 career regular season games with the Chiefs, Hardman made 151 receptions for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns. The former Georgia Bulldog has played in 10 playoff games, totaling 336 yards from scrimmage over four different postseasons.
“Just having the opportunity to add a player like Mecole Hardman – championship pedigree, unbelievable speed, great run after the catch,” said Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas, who was also present at the NFL Owners’ Meetings in Arizona. “He does so many unique, special things as a player, it adds a special dimension to our offense.”
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