Who Should I Start? James Conner or Allen Lazard

Monday, February 16, 7:27 AM

The Athletic's Doug Haller believes that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) could be a salary cap casualty this offseason. Conner has been a major asset to Arizona's offense during his five years with the team and is among the most respected players in the locker room, but he's also coming off a severe foot injury that limited him to just three games in 2025. He'll turn 31 years old in May and is under contract through the 2026 season, and cutting him would save the Cardinals around $8 million. Cutting Conner would allow the team to use the extra money to find a younger replacement in the backfield. The Cardinals would face a $2.25 million dead-cap hit by releasing Conner if he's a pre-June 1 cut. Even though Conner had two 1,000-yard seasons before his injury last year, he will most likely struggle to find a prominent role as a lead back in either Arizona or somewhere else next season while coming off a serious injury.

Tuesday, December 16, 10:48 AM

The New York Jets are releasing wide receiver Allen Lazard, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports. Lazard hasn't played a significant role for the Jets this season, collecting 10 catches for 70 yards on 18 targets in 10 games. His snap share dipped to just 22.4% over the past three games after averaging 45.7% over his first seven games. The 29-year-old wideout was passed on the depth chart by trade-deadline acquisitions Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III, who both present more youth and upside at the WR position. Lazard will likely be scooped by another team in the coming days, but he can be ignored in fantasy football.