Logo

Steelers Reach Verbal Agreement With Former Rodgers Target Amid WR Shortage

Pittsburgh, September 13, 2025 –

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have taken the first step toward solving their wide receiver depth concerns. According to league sources, the team has reached a verbal agreement with veteran wideout Allen Lazard, who has fallen out of favor with the New York Jets. While no contract has been finalized, the understanding signals Pittsburgh’s intent to add a proven pass-catcher to its young receiving corps.

Lazard, 28, was a healthy scratch in the Jets’ Week 1 matchup, fueling speculation about his future in New York. Once a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers during their Green Bay Packers days, Lazard has struggled to carve out a role under the Jets’ new regime led by quarterback Justin Fields. The benching raised eyebrows across the league, particularly in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are searching for veteran stability behind Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson.

The verbal pact, though not binding, reportedly reflects mutual interest. Lazard is said to be intrigued by the opportunity to reunite with familiar faces in the AFC North and provide leadership in a young locker room. For the Steelers, he represents valuable starting experience and a physical presence at 6-foot-5 who can win contested catches—an element currently missing from their roster.

No timeline has been set for a formal signing, and financial details remain undisclosed. However, the move underscores Pittsburgh’s urgency to reinforce its receiver group after an offseason of uncertainty. Should Lazard officially join the team, he would immediately compete for snaps and potentially push for a starting role as the Steelers chase playoff contention in 2025.

1305 views
Despite 44-30 Win Over Cowboys, Lions Lose Their Most Important Defensive Pillar After He Suffers Knee Injury and Has to Be Carted Off the Field
Detroit, Michigan – Ford Field erupted after the convincing 44–30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, but that joy was quickly overshadowed by worry. Detroit didn’t just earn a big win — they lost one of the most important pillars of their defense. Safety Brian Branch, the man widely regarded as the soul of the secondary, suffered a serious injury late in the fourth quarter. The incident happened when Branch dove to make a tackle on a Cowboys offensive play and immediately went down, clutching his right knee in obvious pain. Silence fell over the stadium as the medical staff rushed in. Teammates formed a circle around him, many with heads bowed in prayer. Within minutes, any hope of him walking off under his own power vanished as the cart was brought onto the field to take him away. According to ESPN, this is being viewed as “another significant injury for Detroit,” especially with a Lions defense already missing several key pieces. Before leaving the field, Branch had played brilliantly: 6 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 1 quarterback hit. Those numbers only underscore his impact and the severity of what the Lions now face if he is sidelined long-term. After the game, Dan Campbell entered the press conference with a noticeably heavier expression despite the big win. When asked about Branch’s condition, he tried to stay composed but his voice carried deep concern. “He’s the heartbeat of our defense, the guy who brings energy and stability every time he steps on the field. It’s really hard to see him in that kind of pain, especially when we know how relentlessly he fights. We’re just praying for good news and we’ll be right there with him no matter what happens.” The Lions leave Ford Field at 8–5, strengthening their playoff position. But the moment Brian Branch was carted off the field left a void bigger than any loss. For Detroit, the win over the Cowboys matters, but the future of their defense now hinges on the severity of this injury. All of Lions Nation is holding its breath waiting for news about their quiet hero.