Who Should I Start? Julio Jones or Allen Lazard

Friday, April 4, 7:32 PM

Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones has officially announced his retirement. The Alabama product had an incredible run as a Falcon, with whom he spent nine seasons before serving three consecutive one-year stints with the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Jones tallied 914 receptions, 13,703 yards, and 66 touchdowns in 166 career games. The 35-year-old is the author of the third-highest single-season receiving yardage total of all time and ranks No. 16 on the all-time list of most receiving yards in a career. Jones was a spectacle on the field, with a rare blend of size, speed, and physicality that sought to give any defensive back fits. The former sixth-overall pick of the 2011 draft holds an excellent case for becoming a member of the Hall of Fame.

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.