Davante Adams' exit from Green Bay has opened the Packers' No. 1 receiver role. Fifth-year wideout Allen Lazard has a chance to step into that spot and see a boatload of targets in 2022.
"I think it added maybe a little fuel to that fire, so to speak," Lazard said of Adams' departure, . "But it wasn't like it ignited the flame."
Lazard has battled for reps through his first four seasons. He played in just one game as a rookie and spent most of his career as the No. 3 option behind Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who signed in Kansas City this offseason.
The Packers revamped their receiver room this offseason, signing Sammy Watkins, drafting Christian Watson in the second round, and Romeo Doubs -- who has shined early in training camp -- in the fourth. Green Bay still has veteran Randall Cobb and 2021 third-rounder Amari Rodgers on the roster.
Lazard, who signed his restricted free-agent tender this offseason, has garnered praise from reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers as the potential top target.
"I really think Allen is ready to make a jump and be a No. 1 receiver," Rodgers said. "He has a lot to prove, I think, to himself and other people and maybe to the team as well. So I like a hungry Allen Lazard."
Entering the final year of his contract, the 26-year-old said he's been waiting his whole life for a chance to prove he can be a go-to player.
"Since I was 16 years old, when I committed to Iowa State, this is the vision I saw, this is the vision I had," Lazard said. "I never knew how I'd get here. I didn't know I'd have to go through Jacksonville and fight my way up the roster to get to this point. But I knew eventually that I would be here."
Lazard is coming off career highs with 40 catches on 60 targets for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. With a host of additional passes potentially coming his way this season, Lazard could blow those numbers out of the water in 2022.
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