While the New York Jets continue to pursue a trade for future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, they are also reportedly showing interest in a number of other members of the Green Bay Packers offence.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets have reached out to free-agent receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as tight end Marcedes Lewis. All three played with Rodgers in Green Bay in recent seasons.
Rodgers, 39, remains under contract with the Packers but is widely believed to be pursuing a trade as Green Bay transitions toward pivot Jordan Love. On Saturday, Rodgers told the I Am Athlete podcast that “it won’t be long” before he makes his decision.
Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy confirmed last week that the club had given the Jets permission to speak to Rodgers.
“We’re really hopeful that we can reach a resolution that works not only for Aaron but for us,” Murphy said on Friday.
Rodgers and Cobb — two long-time friends — were spotted walking off the field arm-in-arm after the Packers were eliminated from playoff contention with a Week 18 loss to the Lions.
The Jets are looking to rebuild their offence to support their impressive defence. Adding Rodgers and any combination of Cobb, Lazard and Lewis to a group that includes receiver Garrett Wilson — the reigning offensive rookie of the year — would go a long way to achieving that goal.
Cobb, 32, has spent 10 of his 12 seasons in Green Bay including the last two. In 2022, he caught 417 yards worth of offence with one touchdown in 13 games.
Lazard, 27, has spent his entire career with the Packers. In 57 career games — including 40 starts — he has caught for 2,236 yards with 20 touchdowns. He set career highs in 2022 with 60 catches for 788 yards.
Lewis, 38, appeared in all 17 games for the Packers last season but in a limited offensive role, with only six receptions on seven targets. Schefter reports the Las Vegas Raiders — another team significantly overhauling its offence — have expressed interest in Lewis as well.
Free agents were allowed to begin speaking to teams on Monday but contracts cannot be made official until Wednesday.