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Green Bay Packers: In-depth Free Agency guide

By Freddie Boston

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Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) argues a call during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Randall Cobb

Randall Cobb broke out as a true star in the Green Bay Packers’ offense in 2014. Cobb caught 91 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns – a career-best. He finished tied for fourth in the NFL for receiving touchdowns, while finishing 11th for yards.

Cobb’s versatility is what makes him so special. He is able to line up in the slot, outside and even in the backfield. He can return punts and kickoffs, too.

Ted Thompson will be desperate to bring him back to Green Bay. But at what cost?

Rob Demovsky of ESPN tweeted:

Demovsky is referring to this article written by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A contrasting report from Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press Gazette stated that his market was more in the region of $8-10 million:

"“Cobb is a good receiver, but not a No. 1 threat like Bryant and Thomas. His market is expected to be between $8 and $9 million per year, a league source said. A “great deal” on the open market would be $10 million per year, a figure the Packers aren’t likely to offer, the source said. Anything above $10 million would be unrealistic for Cobb, the source said.”"

It’s unlikely Thompson will be willing to pay Cobb more than Jordy Nelson. Nelson signed a four-year, $39 million deal last offseason, averaging $9.76 million per year. If Cobb is offered $10 million or more a year, it’s likely to be for another team.

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Green Bay Packers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Do the Packers need Cobb?

Of course, everybody knows his importance on the team. He can hurt opponents in so many ways, and is still so young at 24. His best years are still in front of him, so it’s scary to think just how much better he can become.

But that doesn’t mean Thompson will, or should, break the bank for him. In Green Bay, he will remain the WR2 behind Nelson. As long as that’s the case, it wouldn’t make sense to pay him more than what Nelson is earning.

In recent years, the Packers have allowed veterans Greg Jennings and James Jones to walk in free agency. Granted, Cobb is a lot younger than they were at the time (both 29) and their best football was probably behind them.

If Cobb is allowed to test the market and decides to move on from the Packers, can the offense play to the same level as it did in 2014? In a word… yes.

Cobb’s skill set would be greatly missed at Lambeau Field, but the Packers would have options.

Davante Adams has a ton of potential, and there’s no reason to believe he can’t step up to become a productive WR2 for the Packers. Adams impressed in his rookie campaign, catching 38 passes for 446 yards and three touchdowns.

In comparison, Cobb had 25 receptions for 375 yards and one touchdown in his rookie year; Nelson made 33 catches for 366 yards and two scores in his.

Thompson is a master of the salary cap, and if he feels Cobb is commanding too much money, he will let him walk. If he leaves, Thompson will have a plan. Maybe he will dip into free agency and pick up a talented wide receiver or tight end, or maybe he will make a selection from the deep pool of pass-catchers in this year’s draft.

For the Packers, plan A is obviously to bring back Cobb – but within reason. If he is too expensive, he will leave, and plan B will be to develop another star.

Next: Film Study: Stephone Anthony a fit for the Packers?

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