Who Should I Start? Tim Patrick or Allen Lazard

Friday, March 14, 1:02 PM

The Detroit Lions announced on Friday that they re-signed wide receiver Tim Patrick to an undisclosed deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. After missing all of the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to devastating injuries while with the Denver Broncos, Patrick latched on with Detroit's practice squad last fall and ended up playing in 16 regular-season games (nine starts) while contributing 33 catches on 44 targets for 394 yards and three touchdowns as the No. 3 wideout behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. The 31-year-old will return to a high-powered Lions offense that remains relatively unchained outside of a new offensive coordinator. Patrick could have some decent games again for the Lions in 2025, but unless St. Brown or Williams miss extended time due to injury, he'll be hard to justify as a flex option in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.

Thursday, April 10, 1:16 PM

The New York Jets and wide receiver Allen Lazard agreed on Thursday to a revised contract for the 2025 season that will result in $8.5 million in salary cap savings, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. Lazard was scheduled to earn $11 million in 2025, but he'll be taking an $8.5 million pay cut to stay under contract with the team this year. $1.75 million of his salary for the year is guaranteed, and he'll become a free agent in 2026. The 29-year-old pass-catcher signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Jets as a free agent in 2023, but he ended up being a bust and had a 23-311-1 line in 14 games in his first year. Lazard improved in 2024, catching 37 of 60 targets for 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, but it wasn't enough to justify his salary. He has struggled with drops and won't be guaranteed a role as the No. 2 behind Garrett Wilson in 2025 without his buddy Aaron Rodgers in town.