Like a number of other teams, the Packers held their mandatory minicamp this past week. Attendance wasn’t an issue from a legal perspective, but there was a notable absence nevertheless. Wideout Allen Lazard was not with the team, as noted (on Twitter) by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. 
Lazard found himself as a restricted free agent for the second straight year earlier this offseason. After going undrafted, the 26-year-old found a home with the Packers in 2018. One season later, he emerged as a complimentary part of Green Bay’s offense, putting up similar numbers in 2020 as well. That led to the Packers placing the exclusive-rights free agent tender on him, which he signed in July.
Playing on the one-year deal, the Iowa State product put up career-highs across the board. Seeing the field for considerably more snaps than previous campaigns, he totalled 40 catches, 513 yards and eight touchdowns. The Packers rewarded that production by placing the second-round RFA tender on him in March, setting him up for a 2022 salary of just under $4MM. As explained by Demovsky, however, Lazard has yet to sign that tender, meaning he wasn’t required to attend minicamp.
Given the fact that Green Bay’s receiver room now no longer includes Davante Adams or Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Lazard could be in line for another career year. The team has added Sammy Watkins in free agency, along with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs in the draft, but much of the offense figures to run through the four-year veteran. With more cap space remaining than most other teams in the league, the Packers could absorb the value of the tender should Lazard sign it, but they would also be able to afford a long-term deal, if that is Lazard’s aim. With the team’s offseason having concluded until training camp, this will remain a situation worth watching in the coming weeks.
It’s also possible that Brian is using this to free Cap space. If he converts the tender to a traditional contract after the Tender deadline, he can convert all but about $1M , veteran minimum to signing bonus. That frees up ~3M in cap space if they choose to spread it over several void years.
Never assume it’s a conflict. Russ Ball is very proficient in maximizing the fiscal side of things. Also Allen might just be looking for some security with all these new players everywhere. I wouldn’t blame him, it could be be beneficial to bet on him and give him a 3X20m type deal but just guarantee like 7M. That would also similarly allow Russ Ball to free up Millions in Cap this season. That could be used for a trade deadline deal at any other position to make a SB push. Let’s give these guys the benefit of the doubt
I mean the guy is in a unique situation. He’s very important at this point to THIS team. But how good is he without a God throwing him the football? Idk. But the Packers can’t really afford to lose him right now.
Not to diminish his pass catching, route running or actual wr type abilities, but his value to THIS team is just as much about his ability and willingness to block. And I think that would translate to any team with any qb.
My feeling is this is him probably wanting a little extra insurance/guarantee for past production, and more than a year to year commitment from the team.
I think it just is him being careful. He comes in and suffers a major injury. That would cost him big time in long term earnings. Honestly can’t blame him in that at all