Green Bay Packers 2018 roster review: Randall Cobb
A look back at Randall Cobb’s 2017 season, while also looking ahead to what’s next for the Green Bay Packers wide receiver.
It was another solid, even if not spectacular, season for Randall Cobb. But what’s next?
The 27-year-old enters an interesting offseason due to his contract. Will the Packers ask him to take a pay cut, or could they extend his current deal?
Let’s first look back on the season that has just finished.
Season in review
Although the stat sheet might not agree, it was a solid season for Cobb, who played the majority of the year with Brett Hundley at quarterback.
Cobb finished the season with 66 catches for 653 yards and four touchdowns. What he proved is that he can still be a valuable asset on offense, even if he never becomes the team’s leading receiver.
Davante Adams was Hundley’s go-to target and has emerged as the Packers’ clear No. 1 receiver, but Cobb is still an important part of the offense in the slot.
Another encouraging sign was the fact Cobb played in 15 games. His durability has been a concern throughout his career. But after missing 12 games in his first three seasons, Cobb has now missed just four regular season contests in the past four years.
It’s hard to be too critical of Cobb this year due to the quarterback play. Had Rodgers played all season, his numbers would likely be higher.
What Cobb proved in 2017 is that he’s still a talented player, at his best in the slot, and can make significant contributions on offense.
Looking ahead to 2018 season
Completing his seventh season in the NFL, it’s hard to believe Cobb is just 27 years old.
And while he’ll never be the true No. 1 receiver in Green Bay, which some believed he could be after a breakout 2014 season, he still offers a ton of value in Mike McCarthy’s offense.
What’s going to be interesting this offseason is how general manager Brian Gutekunst deals with not just Cobb’s contract, but Jordy Nelson and Clay Matthews‘ deals too.
According to Over The Cap, Cobb will have the second-highest cap hit for the Packers in 2018, behind just Aaron Rodgers. Cobb’s cap number is $12.72 million.
For a complementary wide receiver, that’s a lot to pay.
Now, the Packers can afford it. Their cap is healthy, and both Cobb and Nelson will be free agents in 2019.
If Gutekunst does want to free up some room, he could extend Cobb’s contract and push some of next season’s money into future years. He could also ask Cobb to take a pay cut.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Whether Gutekunst looks to lower his 2018 cap hit or not, I think it’s likely Cobb remains a member of the Packers next season, and potentially beyond that.