The Pittsburgh Steelers are making bold moves this offseason, revamping their wide receiver corps while signaling a possible pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
After landing DK Metcalf in a headline-grabbing trade earlier this spring, the team parted ways with George Pickens, sending the young receiver to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for draft capital.
Steelers clearing space for Allen Lazard?
Pickens had been a productive piece of Pittsburgh’s offense since being drafted in the second round in 2022, leading the team in receiving yards each of the past two seasons.
But with contract uncertainty looming and the Steelers looking to retool for 2025, they chose to move on.
The trade has opened a significant void at wide receiver-and potentially set the stage for another notable addition.
According to reports from ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, Pittsburgh has its sights on Allen Lazard, a wideout with a long-standing connection to Rodgers.
Lazard joined the New York Jets in 2023 as part of a wave of familiar faces brought in to support Rodgers, only to find himself sidelined after the quarterback’s early-season injury.
While Lazard’s numbers last season, 37 receptions for 530 yards and six touchdowns, weren’t eye-popping, his value lies in his chemistry with Rodgers.
The two built a strong rapport during their time together in Green Bay, and Lazard has consistently performed better when catching passes from the future Hall of Famer.
Recently, Lazard restructured his contract with the Jets, cutting his 2025 salary significantly from $11 million to $2.5 million, with $1.75 million guaranteed.
That could make him an attractive, low-risk option for a Steelers team in need of depth behind Metcalf.
The contract revision also facilitates a trade, should Pittsburgh and New York come to terms, especially if Rodgers ultimately makes the move to the Steel City.
Rodgers, now 41, is reportedly a primary target for Pittsburgh as they look to contend next season.
Adding Lazard might not just fill a roster hole, it could serve as a catalyst in securing the quarterback’s signature.
The thinking around the league suggests Rodgers is biding his time, potentially waiting until the NFL schedule drops to avoid excess prime-time exposure.
For now, nothing is set in stone.
But as Pittsburgh continues to reshapes its roster, the front office appears willing to build a team that could make Rodgers feel right at home.
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