Ex-Packer WR Lazard signs with Jets

Now, it will be home for the Jets’ newest wide receiver. And he’ll be reunited with his former offensive coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett— and perhaps soon quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Lazard signed a four-year contract with the Jets on Friday, a deal worth $44 million and includes $22 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

“For me, I just wanted to get to a big city,” Lazard, who is from Iowa, said during a Zoom call. “I wanted to get to a spot that especially has just a melting pot of culture and just be able to get that experience. You know, the bright lights, New York City.”

The Big Apple spotlight might soon shine on Rodgers, Lazard’s former Packers teammate, who said on “The Pat McAfee Show” this week that he intends to play for New York this year after 18 seasons in Green Bay. The sides are still working on compensation details to try to complete a trade.

The 27-year-old wide receiver said Rodgers’ decision wasn’t necessarily a determining factor on where he’d sign as a free agent, but “it definitely helps.”

The 6-foot-5 Lazard, regarded as a terrific blocker as a receiver, is coming off his best NFL season. He had personal highs of 60 catches and 788 yards receiving to go along with six touchdowns; in 2021, he had a career-best eight TD receptions.

The Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Marcus Mariota have agreed on a one-year, $5 million contract. Mariota’s contract is worth up to $8 million including incentives.

Mariota was released by Atlanta last month and will be the backup for Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.

Mariota completed 61.3% of his passes last season for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 starts for the Falcons. He also had a career-high 438 yards rushing and four TDs.

The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Gardner Minshew have agreed on a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Minshew’s contract is worth up to $5.5 million, including incentives.

Minshew was 1-3 in four starts filling in for Jalen Hurts over the past two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He reunites with Shane Steichen, the new Colts head coach who was Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator.

The Buffalo Bills released receiver Isaiah McKenzie in a salary cap-saving move and following a season in which the sixth-year player struggled in an expanded offensive role.

Cutting McKenzie on the day he was due a roster bonus frees up about $2.2 million in salary cap space. The move also comes days after the Bills signed free agent receiver Deonte Harty, who is more than two years younger and possesses similar speedy qualities as the 27-year-old McKenzie.

Though coming off a season in which he scored four touchdowns and posted career-bests with 42 catches and 423 yards, McKenzie committed numerous drops — he was targeted 65 times — in being given the opportunity to take over the slot receiver’s job. His inconsistencies led to Buffalo making the mid-season move of signing Cole Beasley out of retirement to shore up the position.

The Seattle continued the overhaul of its defense by reaching agreement on a two-year deal with versatile safety Julian Love worth up to $12 million. The Seahawks also signed of former first-round linebacker Devin Bush to a one-year deal. 

Love started 16 games last season for the New York Giants and recorded career highs in tackles and interceptions. Bush’s signing could fill a void in Seattle’s defense at linebacker.