Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Allen Lazard

Monday, March 31, 12:36 PM

When asked about potentially signing free-agent wide receiver Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said, "Anything's possible. That would be cool." Allen remains on the free-agent market after a disappointing 2024 campaign with the Chicago Bears in which he caught 70 of his 121 targets for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 starts. The Bolts took the 32-year-old veteran in the third round (76th overall) back in 2013 out of California, and he spent the first 11 years of his NFL career with the team. Allen was a Pro Bowler from 2017-21 and posted six 1,000-yard seasons for the team. However, he certainly looked to have lost a step in 2024 and would not have the same kind of role if he returned to L.A. now that Ladd McConkey has taken over as QB Justin Herbert's top target in the passing game.

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.