Packers Rumors: A Trade for Randall Cobb on the Horizon?
By Paul Bretl
As part of Aaron Rodgers’ return to the Green Bay Packers for the 2021 season, Adam Schefter noted that there were “concessions” made on Green Bay’s part to make this happen. You can find more info on that here.
But apparently, another possible concession on Rodgers’ list of demands is that the Packers bring former receiver Randall Cobb. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS, “this trade should happen.”
As @wingoz noted, Aaron Rodgers absolutely wants Randall Cobb back with the Packers. Source tells me that desire set in motion the Texans trading for former Bears WR Anthony Miller over the weekend. As Rodgers compromise with GB settles, this trade should happen.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) July 26, 2021
Cobb last played with Green Bay back in 2018 and has spent the last two seasons with Dallas and Houston. During that span he has appeared in 25 out of 32 games, catching 71 percent of his 131 targets at 13.6 yards per catch and with six touchdowns. He tallied 828 yards in 2019 with Dallas—his highest single season mark since his 1,287 yard season with the Packers in 2014.
Not too bad, actually.
Back in the day, Cobb really was well suited for the Matt LaFleur offense with his ability from the slot as well as on designed touches and as the motion man. However, expectations shouldn’t be that this is the Randall Cobb of old. He would certainly be in a much more limited role with this Green Bay Packers team.
One of the big issues with this move is that the team just spent a third round pick on Amari Rodgers—who during the pre-draft process, was compared to Cobb. From a skill-set standpoint, everything that Cobb could provide in his prime, Rodgers can now. Their skill-sets are quite similar, although Amari obviously doesn’t have the same chemistry with QB1 that Cobb does.
This begs the question, where would Cobb fit in with this offense? Or, on the other hand, does Rodgers take on a much smaller role than anticipated? On paper this move makes little sense.
With that said, if Rodgers truly wants Cobb back, then perhaps Green Bay would get a deal done to appease the reigning MVP. In Schefter’s report, he did say that Rodgers restructured his deal to free up cap space this year, and that could be used to absorb Cobb’s $8.25 million salary this season—which is another issue. At this stage of his career, the 31-year-old Cobb would have to be open to a pay cut.
As of now these are just rumors, but there appears to be some smoke coming from them. Based on reports, the Green Bay Packers and Rodgers are finalizing his reworked deal and then practice begins on Wednesday.