Report: Green Bay Packers make key decision on receiver Allen Lazard

The Green Bay Packers have some work to do in the receiving room, with Davante Adams‘ situation being uncertain, in addition to Marques Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard set to hit the market. But on Tuesday, the Packers made a big decision on the future of Lazard.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Packers have placed a second-round tender on Lazard, who was set to hit the market as a restricted free agent.

“The #Packers are tendering restricted free agent WR Allen Lazard at the second-round level, source says,” tweeted Garafolo tweeted. “That comes with a one-year salary offer of just under $4 million.”

Lazard joined the Packers in 2018 after a collegiate career with the Iowa State Cyclones. He had just one catch as a rookie, but played a bigger role in each of the next three seasons. In 2019, Lazard had 35 receptions for 477 yards and three touchdowns. During the 2020 season, he had 33 receptions for 451 yards and three touchdowns. This past season, though, Lazard enjoyed career-highs in every receiving category.

During the 2021 season, Lazard caught 40 passes on 60 targets for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. He emerged as a valuable threat for Aaron Rodgers in the Green Bay offense. The Packers are clearly trying to do everything they can to retain Lazard. Green Bay is looking for more weapons to surround Rodgers with, and retaining Lazard would be a good start. Especially considering that Valdes-Scantling is likely to price out of Green Bay’s range.

Lazard coming back could be important for the Packers offense

The Packers placed the franchise tag on Davante Adams, keeping him from the open market where he was assuredly set for a massive payday. But according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Adams does not intend on playing on the franchise tag, instead wanting a new contract. That situation could be very important for the Packers, and having Lazard back at least gives some security to the receiving unit.

“The Packers got some very good news when Aaron Rodgers decided to return to Green Bay for next season and beyond, not so much with the situation regarding star wide receiver Davante Adams,” Rapoport said. “Sources say that Adams has informed the Packers that he will not play on the franchise tag that he was given for the 2022 season. The two sides remain far apart on a long-term extension.

“Just based on the business of this — based on negotiations and talks and how things are going — this relationship is not in a great place. Considering that the start of free agency is upon us, the tampering window starts later today and free agency begins later this week — something has to give. This situation — which has been boiling under the surface — is coming to a head. Going to be interesting to see what movement there is. The Green Bay Packers and Davante Adams, and how this gets resolved. If this gets resolved. But certainly nothing good here between Adams and the Packers.”