Aaron Rodgers is more than just a quarterback. He’s a vibe curator, a locker room Feng Shui artist, and—let’s face it—the league’s most passive-aggressive general manager without an official title. Need proof? Remember when he transformed the New York Jets stadium into a Packers reunion special? The front office went into “Aaron’s Wish List” mode as soon as he signed. In came Allen Lazard with a four-year, $44 million deal. Then it was Randall Cobb—Rodgers’ emotional support wide receiver. And of course, Nathaniel Hackett was given a coordinator seat. In addition to signing Rodgers, the Jets brought in his inner circle and provided them with building keycards.

The next possible chapter in this drama is about to begin: Mike Tomlin might be ready to hand Aaron Rodgers the keys to the Pittsburgh kingdom—and if that happens, Lazard could be joining him like the world’s most loyal sidekick yet again. But before we give you the deets about that update, to be clear, Rodgers and Lazard are more than simply long-time comrades. Their compatibility showed in Week 1 of the 2024 season when Rodgers hit Lazard for a touchdown during a 49ers loss (32-19) before his Achilles gave out. And after the game? With that quintessential quarterback sarcasm and a hint of dry humor, Rodgers remarked, “He should’ve caught the stick to start the game. He played really good…Really proud of Allen.” Translation: “He messed up, but he’s my guy.”

Lazard, on the other hand—after having played with the quarterback for five seasons (2018-2022) for the Green Bay Packers—was also equally appreciative of his friend. When asked abiu what changed between 2023 and 2024 for him and the Jets? He said, “Aaron Rodgers.” Just one name. One sentence. No wonder the rumor mill has been working overtime hinting at another edition of their camaraderie. On April 5, ESPN and Jets insider Rich Cimini stirred things up amply when he wrote, “Lazard could be waiting to see if a reunion with free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers is possible before deciding on the Jets’ proposal.” The QB-WR could even be “strategizing” a Steelers reunion like they did before joining the Jets.

Interestingly, as reports suggest, the duo were in regular contact about their NFL future during the offseason, evident from Lazard’s statements in July 2023. Talking about how Rodgers’ dragged on contract talks with the New York Jets after he had already signed with the team made him anxious, the 29-year-old had revealed, “There was probably an eight-hour period of time where I was like, ‘What the f–k, bro?’ And he was like, ‘It’s going to happen.’ I was like, ‘All right.’”

“We obviously had a very deep conversation and talked about the possibilities of where he would go, where I would go. Not to say that him going here was the only reason why I came here, or me coming here was the only reason why he didn’t want to retire or stay in Green Bay, per se, but I knew he was doing everything he could do. A lot of the hype around, ‘Why is it not happening?’ Well, he had no control. He would’ve done it way before then,” he further stated, before adding, “At that time I was training with him out in California. I was seeing him at least two, three times a week.” Having said that, we’ll still have to wait to see whether the players debut for the Steelers together.

As things currently stand, Rodgers is yet to signal his agreement to join Tomlin’s arsenal, despite the latter and his team owner willing to wait “a little while longer”. “The Steelers must’ve gotten some sort of assurance at some point from Rodgers that he’s going to sign eventually. So, we should see some movement between now and the draft, potentially,” ESPN Jeremy Fowler reported this week. Well, it’s becoming more than just fan fiction to see Rodgers wearing a Steelers uniform; it’s approaching “plausible NFL chaos.” Since Pittsburgh has a good defense, and some trustworthy rising weapons, they tick off many of Rodgers’ requirements. Mike Tomlin is dependable, well-respected, and simply allows Rodgers to be Rodgers.

But the real question is: will he be able to bring Lazard along?

Steelers reunion sounds cute—But Allen Lazard is sitting on $11 million… and a whole lotta ‘maybe’

Now, let’s slow down this hype train before Steelers fans begin pre-ordering shirts and photoshopping Lazard into a black-and-gold outfit. Because here’s the catch: Lazard isn’t a free agent. He’s still tied to the New York Jets with a contract so bulky it’s practically a flotation device—$11 million base salary this season (non-guaranteed) with a $13.2 million salary cap number. The Jets want him to take that sum and cut it to around $2.75 million.

Top Comment by JClark

Good move if they both ready for the work. We in need for both positions.

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And now? Lazard has the scissors in his hand. But he is simply standing there. Not cutting. Not signing. Simply waiting. But waiting for what? As said by Cimini: Awaiting Aaron Rodgers’ potential signing with the Steelers. Maybe Lazard will say, “Cool, I’m out,” if that happens. Let’s go on this reunion tour once more.” But until Rodgers puts pen to paper and trades Broadway for the Burgh, Lazard isn’t going anywhere. He’s simply in a financial limbo because he’s too costly to retain, too close to Rodgers to fire, and too proud to accept a wage cut without a backup plan in place.

And it gets even more spicy from here: The Jets want to keep him… if he’s cheap. GM Darren Mougey said they’re “working through” the restructure. What would happen if Rodgers didn’t sign a contract with Pittsburgh? Lazard most likely takes the wage reduction, remains in New York, and keeps cashing checks while receiving passes from the quarterback who is still standing. But what if Aaron Rodgers ends up joining the Steelers?

Then don’t even think twice. Because behind him, Lazard might be holding a bag, a playbook, and a sly smile that reads, “Told y’all I only came here for Aaron.” However, Lazard is waiting around in New York until Rodgers formally signs, possibly turning his $11 million salary into a clearance rack deal. But if Rodgers goes? Lazard goes. But only after the ink dries.