Allen Lazard doesn't know if he'll return to the Jets next season.
He also said Thursday that it's “too early to think” whether he would want to be here without quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets signed Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract in the spring of 2023, but only the first two years are guaranteed. About a month later, the Jets traded Rodgers, whom Lazard considers a mentor.
Since then, little has worked out for the Jets and Lazard.
Lazard's first season in New York was underwhelming. It also didn't help that Rodgers injured his Achilles tendon in the 2023 season opener and missed the entire season.
Lazard, coming off his best season to date with the Packers, had just 23 catches, 311 yards and one touchdown on 49 targets, and was suspended for the final two games of the 2023 season.
With Rodgers back, the Jets were hoping for a better result this time around. And that seemed to be the case, at least for Lazard in its early days.
Lazard scored five touchdowns and had 26 catches for 345 yards in the Jets' first six games.
However, he has not scored a goal since then and his overall production has decreased significantly. He was placed on injured reserve for five weeks with a chest injury.
Lazard was activated earlier this month. In the Jets' win over the Jaguars on Dec. 15, he failed to record any receptions on any of his four targets.
Most recently, Lazard had just two receptions on five targets for 20 yards in a disappointing loss to the Rams.
Lazard, who has 450 receiving yards this season, has acknowledged his shortcomings the past two years.
“You can list multiple things as to why last year was the way it was and why it's the same this year,” he said. “At the end of the day, I think it’s all about process and preparation to be successful in the opportunity to present yourself.”
The Jets are 11-21 since Lazard signed with the team, and the offense's continued struggles and repeated missed opportunities have taken a toll on the 29-year-old.
“As a competitor, I look at everything based on wins and losses,” he said. “I've never focused on individual stats as much as I value and care about individual stats. At the end of the day, I care more about winning. And we're here I haven't done that as much or as consistently, so I can't say I've achieved what I wanted to achieve when I came here.”
The Jets have two games left, including Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills, before they can officially end another unscrupulous season.
Lazard doesn't know what the future holds beyond this season. If the Jets waive him after this season, his cap hit would be $6.5 million, according to Spotrac.
For now, his priority is to finish the season on a strong note.
“My focus is just to be healthy come January 6th,” he said.
