The New York Jets have not been shy this off-season about their interest in changing up their receiving room following a tough last season.

The Jets severely struggled with their quarterback play, but the entire offense played below expectations as well. With many changes already being made along the offensive line, the Jets have made wide receiver Allen Lazard available for trade to open the necessary cap room. General Manager Joe Douglas could be slowly posturing up for a huge trade with the Bengals.

New York Jets Entering Wide Receiver Market This Off-Season Following Trade Announcement

New York Jets
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (10) holds onto the ball before being taken down by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor (36), in the fourth quarter, Monday, November 26, 2023.
As the New York Jets enter this off-season, the number one goal for the team has been revamping their offensive line. The Jets have done well so far between the additions of Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, and will likely draft an offensive lineman as well. However, the Jets have now also entered the wide receiver market, after announcing that Allen Lazard would be made available via trade.

Lazard struggled in his potential lone season with the Jets, recording 23 receptions, 311 receiving yards, and one touchdown. In the absence of Aaron Rodgers, Lazard truly struggled much like the Jets quarterback room did. With another three-years and $33-million owed on his contract, it could be rather difficult for the Jets to find a suitor who is interested in taking on that cap hit.

Could the Jets Look to Acquire Bengals Wide Receiver Tee Higgins After His Trade Request?

Tee Higgins
Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) reacts after a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
With the announcement regarding the availability of Lazard, the New York Jets will now shift their focus to the wide receiver market. Perhaps the best option available for the Jets could be a receiver who has also requested a trade.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade from the team after the Bengals and his agent failed to make any movement towards a long-term deal. It is clear Higgins wants to go somewhere he can sign a deal with, so any team acquiring the receiver will likely be comfortable doing so. Higgins is currently on the franchise tag and is scheduled to become a free agent after the conclusion of next season.

The Jets could potentially look to trade for the receiver if they are able to dump the contract of Lazard in a timely manner. Higgins is coming off his worst season after just missing the 700-yard mark for receiving on the year, but would be a much more talented option over Lazard. Higgins, still only 25-years old, would be an excellent candidate for the New York Jets to acquire.

How Could Higgins Fit Into the New York Jets Offense?

Allen Lazard New York Jets
Aug 26, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) leaves the field after the first half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
For Higgins, a trade to the New York Jets could potentially be a move that would pay off for the receiver. The Jets will have their quarterback Aaron Rodgers for hopefully more than five plays next season, which would bode well for the production of Higgins.

Higgins himself is also coming off an injury-riddled season as both the quarterback situation and his own injuries led to his worst season production wise. Higgins is not the fastest receiver, but he has no problem creating separation and finding himself open downfield. The talented receiver has a career average of 14.3 yards per reception along with 257 receptions in his four-year career.Ezoic

A potential marriage between Higgins and Rodgers could be something the Jets truly need as Higgins can create space and open up possibilities for Garrett Wilson.