Who Should I Start? Mike Williams or Allen Lazard

Wednesday, March 12, 10:19 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers are signing free-agent wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million on Wednesday night, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Williams spent the first seven years of his career in L.A. and will now reunite with quarterback Justin Herbert as a big, physical downfield threat. The 30-year-old veteran never developed into the consistent pass-catcher they hoped he'd be when they took him seventh overall in 2017 out of Clemson, although he did have a 10-touchdown season in 2018 and reached the 1,000-yard mark twice. In his first year away from the Chargers in 2024, he spent time with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers and failed to make an impact, catching a combined 21 passes on 34 targets for 298 yards and just one score in 18 games (five starts). Due to familiarity and opportunity, Big Mike should be able to bounce back as a starter with the Bolts, but consistency could be a real issue.

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.