Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Ja'Lynn Polk

Thursday, April 10, 1:16 PM

The New York Jets and wide receiver Allen Lazard agreed on Thursday to a revised contract for the 2025 season that will result in $8.5 million in salary cap savings, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. Lazard was scheduled to earn $11 million in 2025, but he'll be taking an $8.5 million pay cut to stay under contract with the team this year. $1.75 million of his salary for the year is guaranteed, and he'll become a free agent in 2026. The 29-year-old pass-catcher signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Jets as a free agent in 2023, but he ended up being a bust and had a 23-311-1 line in 14 games in his first year. Lazard improved in 2024, catching 37 of 60 targets for 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, but it wasn't enough to justify his salary. He has struggled with drops and won't be guaranteed a role as the No. 2 behind Garrett Wilson in 2025 without his buddy Aaron Rodgers in town.

Friday, January 3, 6:55 PM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) did not practice at all this week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Kayshon Boutte (illness) was cleared to play. The 22-year-old Polk will finish off what has been a bad rookie season early due to a shoulder injury. The second-round selection just never had much of a chance to excel in 2024 in a bad offense with rookie quarterback Drake Maye struggling to find his footing with limited weapons around him. Polk will finish his first year in the NFL with only 12 catches on 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts). The Patriots will surely look to bring in upgraded receiving options this offseason, giving Polk and others even more competition.