Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Deebo Samuel

Sunday, January 5, 9:59 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard caught all three of his targets for 71 yards and a touchdown in a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Lazard brought in a 13-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter, giving him six in what was a bounceback season for him after he caught just one score last season. Lazard is under contract for two more seasons after he signed a four-year, $44 million contract before the 2023 season.

Wednesday, January 8, 3:30 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that the plan is to bring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. back for the 2025 season. After signing receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to a hefty extension before the start of the 2024 season, it was assumed that the Niners would likely move on from Samuel heading into 2025 given his significant salary-cap hit. In addition to the decision regarding the future of Samuel, who missed the Week 18 regular-season finale due to rib and wrist injuries, the 49ers will also be navigating a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. If the Niners change their mind on the 28-year-old Samuel, he could be a trade candidate with one year left on his deal. In 15 games in 2024, he had 51 catches for 670 yards and only three touchdowns despite Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) missing significant time with injuries.