Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Devaughn Vele

Wednesday, May 7, 10:34 AM

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to navigate the offseason, trading for New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard is "in play," according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. As Florio notes, the move likely hinges on whether the Steelers sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This wouldn't be the first time a team has pursued a receiver to satisfy the veteran signal caller. The Green Bay Packers once re-acquired Randall Cobb as part of Rodgers' demands during a contract holdout, and the Jets signed Lazard after trading for Rodgers in 2023. The 29-year-old would likely slot in as Pittsburgh's No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf after they traded George Pickens to Dallas. He typically plays much better with Rodgers throwing him the football, as he commanded 100 targets from the future Hall of Famer in 2022. He also opened last season with 412 yards and five touchdowns over his first seven games, all of which featured Rodgers under center. Any sort of Lazard trade likely won't happen until Rodgers makes a decision on his future. While nothing is imminent, fantasy managers should keep tabs on Rodgers, as his eventual decision will surely have a ripple effect on many players across the league.

Thursday, July 24, 2:42 PM

Denver Broncos second-year wide receiver Devaughn Vele "looks like the clear WR2" early on in training camp, according to Ryan Edwards of KOA Colorado. Vele played in 13 games for Denver as a rookie last season, recording 41 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdowns. The Broncos have Courtland Sutton entrenched as their WR1, but opportunity exists behind him. In addition to Vele, the top contenders for targets in the wide receiver room are Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and rookie Pat Bryant. A former seventh-round pick, Vele isn't as explosive as the speedy Mims and might not have the upside of Franklin or Bryant. However, he's a big-bodied target who started seven games as a rookie. Vele could be an intriguing late-round pick in fantasy if he can seize the WR2 job in Denver and run with it.