Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Luther Burden III

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.

Saturday, July 26, 11:31 AM

Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed) remains out of training camp practice on Saturday, but head coach Ben Johnson said he's hopeful that Burden will be back soon. The 21-year-old second-rounder suffered an undisclosed soft-tissue injury during the offseason program during the spring and isn't quite ready to join the rest of the team on the field at camp. However, Burden avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list and should be back sooner than later as he competes for the No. 3 receiver role in his first NFL season behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The 39th overall pick has plenty of playmaking abilities but will most likely struggle for consistent targets in Year 1 as long a Moore and Odunze stay healthy. Olamide Zaccheaus figures to be Burden's primary competition.