Allen Lazard says Aaron Rodgers' 'aura' will ignite a fire under the Jets when the quarterback eventually gets traded from the Packers

Aaron Rodgers has been quiet since he declared his intentions to play for the New York Jets next season a couple weeks ago on "The Pat McAfee Show."

But others in the Jets and Packers organizations are now talking publicly about Rodgers and the likely trade, especially as coaches and management convene this week in Phoenix for the NFL owners meetings.

Allen Lazard confident the trade will happen and he'll reunite with Aaron Rodgers

At this point it's not if a trade will happen, it's more like when. And for former Packers receiver Allen Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Jets earlier this month, a reunion with the future Hall of Famer has him thinking big in the Big Apple.

"Once this trade goes through and Aaron shows up just knowing his aura, I think will ignite a lot of fire underneath a lot of guys in that locker room to really focus, to really lock in and ultimately sacrifice things that we love and care about to be able to achieve this ultimate goal," Lazard said in a recent interview with TMZ Sports. "We want nothing more to be able to bring back the Lombardi Trophy."

Lazard says Rodgers embraced him while in Green Bay

Lazard, 27, also told TMZ Sports that Rodgers' intention to play with the Jets "was somewhat of a big reason" he signed with the Jets after four years with the Packers. Lazard was among the players on Rodgers' reported "wish list" of free agents he brought up with Jets management when he met with them a few weeks ago, according to ESPN reporter Dianna Russini.

Lazard and Rodgers have a strong relationship, something the receiver said was formed when he arrived in 2018 following a brief stint as a practice squad player in Jacksonville.

“When I first got (to Green Bay) he kind of just really put his arm around me and kind of helped guide me to be successful," Lazard said.

Nathaniel Hackett was another reason Lazard decided to sign with the Jets

But Lazard also cited his relationship with new Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as a key factor in signing with the Jets.

"Ultimately it came down to two factors," Lazard said. "One being Nathaniel Hackett. That was probably the biggest piece of the puzzle. And then knowing Aaron was very highly interested to go to the Jets kind of gave me the peace of mind to go there."

Lazard added that he wants to be a part of a team where he is comfortable in the "work environment" beyond Sundays.

"I want to know that Monday through Saturday I’m waking up and I’m going to work and I’m grinding with people I love and care about and that are going to do the same for me," Lazard said. "Knowing those two guys were intending on being there just kind of gave me the sense to believe in the New York Jets."

Rodgers has often praised Hackett publicly as well

The 39-year-old Rodgers has also discussed on many occasions his bond with Hackett. Hackett was the Packers' offensive coordinator from 2019-21 before he became the Denver Broncos head coach in 2022. He didn't make it through a full season, however, as he was fired with two games to play and the Broncos at 4-11. Hackett is replacing Mike LaFleur, brother of Packers head coach Matt, as offensive coordinator.

Hackett will lead an offense led by likely Rodgers and a talented group of young players that now includes Lazard, who topped the Packers in receiving yards at 788 yards in 2022. For now, Lazard waits for that reunion with Rodgers.

"There’s no worry on my end (that a deal won't get done), especially knowing Aaron has his full-on commitment to be a New York Jet this year," Lazard said. "It’s on the guys upstairs to handle the business side of things to figure out what’s payable and compromisable" for it to be finalized.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Allen Lazard on pending Aaron Rodgers trade, why he signed with Jets