Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Troy Franklin

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.

Sunday, January 12, 4:19 PM

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin caught two of his three targets for 54 yards and a touchdown during their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. Franklin made an impact early, bringing in a 43-yard TD pass from his college teammate Bo Nix to give Denver an early lead on their first offensive drive of the game. Franklin's other reception went for 11 yards in the fourth quarter. Franklin's 54 yards and three targets were both second-most among Denver pass catchers, only less than Courtland Sutton. Throughout the regular season, Franklin struggled to find consistent opportunities as he tallied just 263 yards and two scores on 28 receptions. Franklin will look to earn a larger role in the Denver offense in his sophomore campaign.