Will A New Position Save A Packers Wideout's Job?

James

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Post on Jun 11, 2025

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Will a New Position Save a Packers Wideout's Job? Allen Lazard's Uncertain Future in Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers' offseason is shaping up to be a whirlwind of change, and few players face a more uncertain future than wide receiver Allen Lazard. After a season of inconsistent performance and the team's shift towards a younger, potentially less expensive receiving corps, Lazard's roster spot hangs precariously in the balance. But could a position change be his saving grace?

The 27-year-old Lazard has been a valuable member of the Packers' offense since joining the team in 2018. He's known for his reliable hands and his ability to make tough catches in traffic. However, his production hasn't always matched his potential, and with the emergence of younger receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, competition for snaps is fiercer than ever. The Packers are also facing significant salary cap constraints, adding further pressure to their roster decisions.

The Case for a Position Switch

Lazard's skillset might be better utilized in a different role. While he's primarily played outside receiver, his size (6'5", 227 lbs) and blocking ability suggest a potential shift to a more hybrid role, perhaps incorporating more snaps as an H-back or even fullback in certain packages. This could offer several advantages:

• Increased playing time: Competing directly with Watson and Doubs for outside receiver snaps is a tough battle. A position change opens up opportunities in a less crowded area of the field.
• Showcase versatility: Showing versatility is a crucial factor in securing a roster spot, especially in a salary-cap conscious environment. Highlighting his blocking prowess and ability to contribute in multiple roles strengthens his case.
• Improved value: A player who can contribute both as a receiver and a blocker offers greater overall value to the team, making him a more attractive option to retain, even with limited salary cap space.

This strategy isn't unprecedented. Many NFL teams utilize bigger receivers in more versatile roles, leveraging their size and strength in the run game as well as the pass. Think of players like Hunter Henry (tight end) or even some fullbacks who possess receiving skills.

The Challenges Ahead

While a position switch presents a viable path to staying in Green Bay, it's not without its challenges.

• Learning curve: Mastering a new position requires significant time and effort. Lazard will need to quickly adapt to the nuances of playing closer to the line of scrimmage and potentially handling different blocking schemes.
• Competition within the new position group: Even within the H-back or fullback role, competition exists. Lazard will still need to outperform others vying for those limited snaps.
• Acceptance by the coaching staff: The coaching staff needs to be convinced that this positional shift is a worthwhile investment of time and resources. Lazard's performance in practice will be crucial.

The Verdict? Uncertain, but Hopeful

Whether a new position will save Allen Lazard's job in Green Bay remains to be seen. The upcoming offseason and training camp will be critical in determining his fate. His willingness to embrace a change, coupled with his proven reliability and physical attributes, could offer him a lifeline. However, the Packers' salary cap situation and the emergence of younger talent present significant hurdles. Keep your eyes peeled for updates throughout the offseason – Lazard’s story is one worth following.

Keywords: Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers, NFL, wide receiver, position change, salary cap, offseason, roster spot, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, H-back, fullback, NFL news, football news, Packers news