The New York Jets suffered yet another disappointing loss on Friday, falling 34-13 to the Miami Dolphins. The Jets’ loss might have not come as a surprise but the fact that wideout Allen Lazard didn’t play despite being healthy definitely raised some eyebrows.
Lazard, who joined the Jets on a four-year, $44 million contract in the offseason, was a healthy scratch for the Dolphins game and head coach Robert Saleh decided to explain his decision during a post-game press conference.
“I’ll speak for him: He hasn’t been playing up to his standard,” said Saleh. “Everyone is pressing on that side of the ball to make something happen. There are parts of his game that need to get better.”
Saleh said that the Jets still plan on using Lazard this season but that his role might be diminished moving forward.
“He’s a good football player. I do believe that. For Allen, he will be back sooner rather than later,” he added.
Allen Lazard received the biggest free agent contract for any wideout this offseason in terms of guaranteed money at $22 million. However, the 27-year-old player failed to give the Jets value for their money. Despite being considered the team’s No.2 wide receiver behind star Garrett Wilson, Lazard only has 20 catches for 290 yards and a touchdown in 2023.
