Randall Cobb has been a prominent member of the Green Bay Packers offense for quite a few years now. He has been one of Aaron Rodgers' most trusted targets and has come through time and time again in clutch situations. Now, he is set to hit the open free agency market.
The two sides have been here once before. Cobb chose to re-sign with the Packers instead of getting bigger money elsewhere.
Unfortunately, this time around, reports have stated that the Packers are unlikely to bring Cobb back.
Despite the reports, Cobb still has quite a few fans in Green Bay within the organization. Perhaps most important, Rodgers has made it clear that he would like his trusted receiver back with the team if possible.
Brian Gutekunst and the Packers are looking to bolster their pass rush in free agency and could be involved in the Antonio Brown sweepstakes. Regardless of those possible moves, Cobb could end up being targeted for another couple years.
Let's dive in and take a look at the pros and cons of the Packers re-signing Cobb.
Pro: Aaron Rodgers Wants Him
Making Rodgers happy is a constant goal for the Packers. He is the face of the franchise and the team should take his wishes into consideration.
Bringing back Cobb would make Rodgers happy and keep the offense together. It might take some money, but Cobb, when healthy, is a very consistent and dangerous target.
Con: The Money Problem
Green Bay has about $34.4 million in cap room to play with this offseason. That amount of money isn't bad, but they can't be handing out contracts to everyone. With the holes that the Packers need to fill, Cobb's expected contract may not fit into their budget.
Spotrac.com currently has Cobb's market value at about $7.9 million per season. That may not be doable for Green Bay this offseason.
Pro: Cobb Fits the New Offense
Matt LaFleur is the new head coach and play-caller in town and his offense will be much different. He likes to get the ball out quick and has a lot of movement within his offense.
Cobb's style of play would fit the new offense perfectly. He has always found ways to kill opposing defenses in the open field and that would only improve moving forward. Green Bay needs to have a dangerous slot receiver in LaFleur's offense and there are very few better players at the position than Cobb.
Con: The Young Receivers Are Ready
One of the most constant comments made about the Packers' offense are that they have two talented, young receivers. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown have bright futures ahead of them.
Gutekunst and LaFleur might very well be content with letting the young guys take over and receive bigger roles in 2019.
Final Conclusion
There are two big pros and two big cons to re-signing Cobb for the Packers. Green Bay will miss Cobb in a big way, but the financials just aren't there to bring him back unless he's willing to take a hometown discount. If he is, the Packers should bring him back.
Green Bay is looking to get back into Super Bowl contention. In order to do that, they will need to spend their money on pass rushing and a safety. Targeting free agents like Preston Smith, Landon Collins, and potentially acquiring a guy like Brown should be the priority.
At this point in time, Cobb returning to Green Bay seems very unlikely. Unless he's willing to take a pay cut once again to return to the Packers, he will likely be playing elsewhere next season.
