New Delhi, Dec. 16 -- The New York Jets have parted ways with wide receiver Allen Lazard, effectively drawing the curtain on the remnants of their Aaron Rodgers experiment. The 30-year-old pass-catcher, who had become a healthy scratch in four recent games and had no consistent role on offense, requested his release to pursue opportunities with a playoff-contending team. The Jets, struggling with a 3-11 season, granted the wish as they shift focus to developing their emerging talent.

This decision marks the end of a high-stakes gamble that soured quickly. Lazard's arrival was part of the Jets' aggressive push to convince Rodgers to join from Green Bay in 2023, where the duo had built a solid rapport over five years. But injuries, inconsi...