Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Xavier Gipson

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.

Tuesday, November 5, 6:18 PM

The New York Jets traded wide receiver Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, meaning Xavier Gipson, who has four catches for 23 yards on the year on seven targets, will move into the WR3 role in New York behind Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson with Allen Lazard (chest) on Injured Reserve. While Gipson's role should expand in the short term, the 23-year-old probably still isn't worth a waiver-wire pickup in standard-sized, 12-team fantasy leagues. In his first NFL season in 2023, Gipson caught 21 of his 38 targets for 229 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games (three starts). Expect the Jets to utilize more two-tight end sets with Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert with Williams gone and Lazard still sidelined.