While the Pittsburgh Steelers showed early signs of problems to start the campaign, they still showed some promising trends. Everyone thought the team would be favored to trade for a receiver before the season began, but that failed to transpire. With the season in full swing, they may ride with Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson until the wheels fall off.
Aaron Rodgers has been in the news trying to bring in a familiar face, but after Austin's solid effort in Week 1 against the New York Jets, the receiver has earned a significant role on offense. That could always change, but that is the reality for now. The small speedster was fantastic in New York, and he must keep that momentum going, or else the trade rumors will spike once more.
One notable inactive during the Steelers' game against the Jets was Allen Lazard.
The veteran receiver has slowly fallen out of favor during his time in New York. He saw a resurgence last season with Rodgers as his quarterback. It makes sense for a reunion in Pittsburgh to happen, but the team would need to witness a regression by Austin and Wilson before they take that step.
Allen Lazard's fall from grace makes him Pittsburgh Steelers top trade target
With a new coaching staff and front office, the Jets have made plenty of changes already. They let Rodgers go, and they replaced him with former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. Week 1 of the season brought many storylines, which overshadowed Lazard being benched. The veteran pass catcher might not be a superstar, but he is a proven commodity in the NFL.
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There is an undeniable chemistry between Rodgers and the playmaker. They have played together for almost every year Lazard has played in the NFL. It is unknown if the Jets would make him available via trade, but after last week, it would be puzzling if they wouldn't. He could always request a deal out of town, or his release if he fails to see consistent playing time this season.
Adding Lazard to Pittsburgh's group of receivers wouldn't provide a season-saving player to the team. Those fans who have been praying for an immediate upgrade wouldn't necessarily be getting that if this target joined the team. He would give the team a boost to their depth chart, but odds are the club would roll with Austin and Wilson to hopefully spark one into a big-time player.
New York doesn't seem thrilled with the idea of keeping the veteran receiver around.
You better believe Rodgers will be placing some calls to his former teammate if he becomes available. Lazard isn't the type of "upgrade" fans have been clamoring for, but he would improve the roster. He would give the team starting experience and a solid fallback option if Austin or Wilson comes up short.