In recent years, there has been a trend of seasoned veterans (with four or more years of service) looking to leave a non-playoff team to try to join a contender. To obtain a release, a player waives the right to receive the remainder of his salary without compensation as severance pay.
Former Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard did not do so, according to a source familiar with the situation.
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That gives him the opportunity, if he chooses, to receive the remaining $291,667 of his $1.75 million base salary from the Jets, doubling the amount he receives from his new team. Unless, of course, the remainder of his contract is declared on waivers.
The obvious assumption is that Lazard hopes to land with the Steelers and two-time former teammate Aaron Rodgers. This could prompt a rival (like the Ravens) to claim Lazard to prevent Pittsburgh from acquiring him.
Of course, this would require the Ravens to dedicate a spot on the 53-man roster to Lazard, which in turn would require a corresponding roster change. Unless there is someone the Ravens can place on injured reserve or are otherwise willing to waive, there will be no room for Lazard. Still, if they want to keep the team they could very well face in 18 days (or 17 if the game is moved to Saturday night) for the AFC North title, they will at least consider finding a way to make room for Lazard.
If Lazard agrees to the waiver, he will be free to sign with any other team's roster or practice squad. And that would open the door to a double dip: $291,667 from the Jets and whatever he gets from the Steelers or wherever he ends up.
