Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Zay Flowers

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.

Monday, May 5, 12:22 PM

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) ended up not needing surgery for his knee this offseason. Flowers sprained his right knee in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns and wasn't able to play in either of the team's postseason games as a results. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2023 out of Boston College should now be fully ready for the start of the 2025 season this fall, but we'll keep a close eye on his progress once training camp gets underway in late July. Flowers earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2024 in his second year in the league after catching 74 passes for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns on 116 targets over 17 games (15 starts). He has been the team's WR1 since being drafted in the first round and has plenty of elusiveness and speed, but he's more of a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 in fantasy in a run-first offense.