5 free agents the Minnesota Vikings should avoid in 2023

Allen Lazard – WR

2022 Team: Green Bay Packers

Allen Lazard is a fairly big name out on the wide receiver free-agent wire. He made his living catching balls from Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. He was the no. 2/3 to Davante Adams when he was in town, not really being the man until last season.

Lazard would provide the Vikings with something they could use in the wide receiver room, and that is size. He’s 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds and can outmuscle and basically just outreach most cornerbacks in a jump ball situation. He’s also been very productive in his years with the Packers, hauling in 169 receptions for 2,236 yards and 20 touchdowns.

While Lazard’s size is tantalizing, there are some red flags. The first is that he’s never really been close to hitting 1000 receiving yards in a given season. The closest he got was last year with 788 yards.

He also runs hot and cold. Last season five of his six touchdowns game during the first eight weeks. There is also the argument that his production is because of who was throwing him the ball and the system he is in. It is possible he will struggle to find success with a new quarterback in a new offensive scheme.

Lazard definitely has some positives, but for the price tag that’ll have to be met to secure his services, there are just too many concerns.