Allen Lazard is a free agent and it’s looking more and more likely that he won’t be back in Green Bay in 2023. He had some interesting comments after the season ending loss to Detroit that made it sound like he already knew he wasn’t coming back. On top of that, it came out last week that Lazard was looking for a contract that paid him between $15-$17 million a year. If that ends up being true and a team offers it, that team won’t be the Packers.
With major roster decisions looming, and the status of Aaron Rodgers in the air, would it be smart to pay arguably WR3 that kind of money? Most likely not. It’s reasonable to expect big jumps from Doubs and Watson. While healthy last year, both showed the ability to make plays while also being able to do what the Packers ask of every receiver, block. While Lazard had been a reliable option during his time in Green Bay, his biggest supports point to his blocking ability as a reason why he should be brought back.
While I think every Packer fan appreciates the value Lazard provided as a trustworthy pass catcher that moved the sticks and top tier blocker, does that warrant the kind of money he wants? Most would argue no. Even though his blocking is a huge selling point, is that more because of the player or the system? The Packers consistently have good to great blocking receivers. Are they just excellent at identifying those players or are they just better at getting receivers to buy in than other teams? I truly think it’s the latter.
I want to look at some options that would be good and realistic replacements. The depth chart lacks experience and numbers without Lazard and Cobb which makes it very likely someone will be added outside of the draft.
Value With Upside
There are a handful of players that were put in rough situations the last couple of years. Whether it be in offenses that didn’t throw the ball at a high level or constant battles with injuries. Even though that hurts their likelihood of getting big money this offseason, it helps out teams like the Packers.
DJ Chark
Chark appeared to be on a great path after starting his career in Jacksonville. He reached the 1,000 yard benchmark in just his second year and followed it up with 700 yards in 2020. He unfortunately hit a major speed bump in 2021 as he got injured and missed the season after playing only 3+ games. He was picked up by the Lions ahead of 2022 and had a decent comeback season while battling smaller injuries.
Chark was in a good offense last season, but a healthy season in a solid offense could do him wonders. He’s still only 26 years old and is likely to get something between $9-$11 million per year. I think he’ll be looking at a multiyear deal but if he’s ok with something shorter, the Packers should be interested.
Jakobi Meyers
As a 26 year old, there is still reason to believe Meyers can get better. After signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, he’s had a pretty solid career to this point. His only season under 700 yards was his first year and he hasn’t had the injury issues we saw with Chark. Even though he was in an offense that has struggled through the air after Brady left, he still put up 2 seasons with more yards than Lazard’s best season.
Meyers likely will never be the blocker that Lazard is but is a better pass catcher. He will likely get a contract similar to what Lazard will end up getting but if this weak free agent class for receivers causes prices to go down, then Jakobi could be a solid option for the Packers.
Mecole Hardman
The Packers have lacked explosive playmakers for years. While Davante Adams was a phenomenal receiver, he isn’t considered one of the most explosive athletes in the league. When the Packers drafted Christian Watson last year, it was obvious they wanted more playmakers on the field. Hardman definitely fits the playmaker description as he has been a key piece of the dynamic Chiefs offense over the last 4 seasons.
He hasn’t been a statistical darling, but he makes plays when the ball is in his hands and can be used a variety of ways. The fact he isn’t your typical receiver I think hurts his value a bit in free agency. Having Mecole and Watson on the field would bring a ton of speed to the offense and would force the defense to have to make tough decisions. He will likely be looking for a multi year deal but after being banged up in 2022, he likely won’t get a ton per year.
Veteran Presence
The 2023 free agent receiver group isn’t loaded with high end talent, but it does have some intriguing veterans that could fill the Lazard role extremely well.
Marvin Jones Jr.
This is a name all Packer fans should be familiar with as he spent 5 years with the Lions and had some very solid seasons. At 32 years old, Jones won’t be looking for a long or expensive contract. Even though he’s past his physical prime, he’s a great locker room presence and is still good at going up and getting the ball. He’s been a reliable source of touchdowns throughout his career and could be a great mentor for the young receivers on the roster.
Jarvis Landy
It has been a rough 2 years for Landry as he’s battled injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. With that said, he is 30 years old and could fill a position of need for the Packers as it’s highly likely Cobb won’t be back next season. At his best, Landry is a reliable receiver that moves the sticks and does a great job of getting open underneath. With young guns outside, having a veteran presence working the short middle part of the field could be huge. After the last two years, he isn’t likely to get more than a one year deal and it most likely will be team friendly.
Jamison Crowder
It’s always tough to gauge how a soon to be 30 year old will perform after a season ending injury, but adding Crowder seems like a very Packer move. He’s never been overly flashy in his career but that’s not what the Packers need. Him and Landry would fill very similar holes and wouldn’t be relied on to do much outside of working their way free for short yardage. Crowder would likely come at a major discount which is ideal for a veteran check down option.
I don’t see a scenario where the Packers spend a big chunk of money on a receiver this offseason. If Rodgers is no longer a Packer in 2023, the chances of it happening drop even more. Love doesn’t need a highly priced pass catcher to help him be effective in his first season as a full time starter. If Rodgers is back, I could see the Packers working on bringing Lazard back. Either way, there are some intriguing options that could be much cheaper than Lazard and may fill a position of weakness even better.
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