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Transitioning from Davante Adams to a new, as yet undefined No.
1 wide receiver in Green Bay, the Packers' MVP quarterback said
Wednesday he believes Lazard is ready for the role.
"I mean it's always tough going from Hall of Famer to Hall of
Famer. From Davante to Allen, it's gonna be a transition, but
he's capable of a lot," Rodgers said during an interview in the
locker room.
Adams said in an interview he was adjusting while going from
Hall of Famer (Rodgers) to Hall of Famer (Raiders quarterback
Derek Carr) in Las Vegas.
Adams was traded to the Raiders, leaving Rodgers and the Packers
to establish a new pecking order in the receiver room.
Green Bay signed Sammy Watkins, a former first-round pick, and
veteran slot receiver Randall Cobb is also back but surrounded
by questions at the other receiver spots.
Unless you ask Rodgers.
The statement goes beyond just words to media. Rodgers threw a
50-50 pass down the center of the field for Lazard against
safety Adrian Amos in Wednesday's workout at training camp.
Lazard focused on the deflected pass and secured the reception
while going to the ground and spun it in celebration in the
highlight of the on-field work.
"Who I don't think we need any patience with is Allen. I really
think Allen is ready to make a jump and be a No. 1 receiver,"
Rodgers said.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said earlier Wednesday that the
Packers view Lazard as a lead receiver, adding "The sky is the
limit for him."
A fifth-year pro, Lazard caught 40 passes for 513 yards with
eight touchdowns in 2021, including four TDs in the final three
regular-season games.
The 26-year-old has 109 receptions in 42 career games (25
starts) -- or the type of production Rodgers and the Packers
expected from Adams in one season.
The undrafted player joined the Packers from the Jacksonville
Jaguars' practice squad in 2018 and is playing this season on
the restricted free agent tender of $3.986 million.
"He's been our dirty work guy for most of his career here,"
Rodgers added. "Now he's getting an opportunity to be a No. 1
receiver."
--Field Level Media
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