Jets' Allen Lazard addresses bouncing back from rough season

Wide receiver Allen Lazard is among members of the New York Jets who endured a difficult 2023 campaign after quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the club's regular-season opener.

Lazard spoke with reporters on Monday about "contributing to winning" with the Jets this fall.

"I have dealt with adversity my whole life, even before the NFL, especially in college and high school," Lazard explained, as shared by John Pullano of the Jets' website. "So, the adversity is nothing new to me. I know I can do this. I think the biggest thing for me is learning how to adapt to the situations and I am doing that now, going back to what I know."

Lazard played alongside Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2018 through the 2022 season and reportedly was one player on a "wish list" submitted by Rodgers to the Jets before the future Hall of Famer officially joined Gang Green in April 2023. After Rodgers went down with what became a campaign-ending injury last September, Lazard failed to establish himself as a game-changing figure with Zach Wilson atop the depth chart.

In total, Lazard recorded just 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown in his first season with the Jets.

"It was tough, a really tough year," Lazard acknowledged. "I think it was arguably the hardest year of my career. A lot of adversity, moving cities, having a new team and a new environment, obviously losing Aaron, that was detrimental for the team. After playing alongside him the last four seasons, I was trying to figure out how I still be impactful."

The Jets reportedly could consider showing Lazard the door before August comes to an end, especially if the club acquires a star player at the position such as Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. Lazard seemingly isn't worried about such a scenario playing out, as he called his shot on Monday.

"I know what I’m capable of doing," Lazard added, per John Flanigan of SNY. "I’ve done it before multiple times and I know there’s new heights out there for me to reach, so I’m coming into this season expecting it to be my best as a professional."