Florio: Steelers Likely To Trade For Wide Receiver Allen Lazard "Sooner Than Later"

After the long-awaited signing of Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves trying to capitalize on their new quarterback's abilities during his one-year contract. After trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, rumors have swirled online over who the Steelers could bring in to replace the type of production that Pickens left behind. 

Rodgers has been known to bring along players he is familiar with wherever he goes. He is the caliber of player that can convince a front office to make moves based on what he wants. While this did not work out for Rodgers in New York, the Steelers are hopeful that they can strike a balance between winning success and taking care of their quarterback. 

NFL insider Mike Florio made a strong claim on his Pro Football Talk YouTube channel, saying that Allen Lazard, a former teammate of Rodgers, will be traded to Pittsburgh soon. 

"Put me down for this," Florio said. "I fully expect, sooner than later, and no later than training camp, the Steelers will trade for Jets receiver Allen Lazard. Been waiting for that to happen... They've been waiting to know what Rodgers is going to do. And Lazard, I think, is the perfect complement... The question becomes, what do the Jets want?"

Florio's remarks are clear, the Steelers are actively trying to add another pass catcher to their offense before training camp starts in July. The connection is an easy one to make, based on Rodgers' history with not only former teammates, but Lazard in particular. Lazard has just about played his entire career with Rodgers as his quarterback. He posted 37 receptions for 530 yards and 6 touchdowns in New York during 2024, which was a stark increase from his 2023 campaign, in which Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles. 

Another interesting part of this scenario is Lazard's contract. He signed a four-year $44 million deal with the Jets in 2023. The receiver has a $4.6 million dollar cap hit this season, however, should the Jets decide to trade Lazard, they would only eat just over $2.1 million in dead cap. The $2.1 million dead cap hit is not very large in the grand scheme of things for New York, especially should they be able to get the desired compensation for Lazard. How willing New York is to trade Lazard, especially to an in-conference competitor like the Steelers, is unclear. 

Lazard checks a lot of boxes off for the Steelers. Not only would he have more chemistry and experience with Rodgers than anyone else on the roster, but he can contribute in multiple ways. Lazard is a more than capable run blocker and has caught at least six touchdowns in three of his last four seasons in which Rodgers was throwing him the ball. These types of tough receivers who can effectively participate in multiple ways and are willing blockers on the field have been staples of Mike Tomlin's teams in the past. These types of players also thrive in Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's run-heavy system.

Steelers' Message Is Clear For 2025

The Steelers have undoubtedly had an offseason full of change. General Manager Omar Khan has made a splash this offseason, like trading for DK Metcalf, along with investing $150 million into him with a new contract. Darius Slay was a splash addition as well in free agency, giving the Steelers a veteran corner presence to form a dynamic defensive back duo with Joey Porter Jr.