Packers: Future is uncertain for Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb
After a pair of rocky seasons for two former Pro Bowlers, Green Bay Packers fan favorites Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb may be looking for a job in the near future.
Before now it was merely a discussion topic for what the Green Bay Packers could do in the 2018 offseason. But now, at least according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers could be parting ways with Jordy Nelson and/or Randall Cobb.
Rapoport discussed the futures of some of the NFL’s biggest players who could be looking for work for the 2018 season.
A topic for discussion during the segment on NFL Total Access was the futures of Nelson and Cobb. According to Rapaport, it is unlikely the Packers keep Nelson and Cobb for 2018.
The #Cowboys and WR Dez Bryant are at a crossroads... but don't be surprised if they work it out with an extension (along with some #Packers notes). pic.twitter.com/6XhuKHTWF2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 15, 2018
Reports seem to indicate the younger of the two, Cobb, is more likely to be cut.
The Packers are likely to move on from Randall Cobb or Jordy Nelson this offseason with Cobb being the more likely candidate (@RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/3bPowZmbYl
— Cream City Central (@CreamCityCtral) February 15, 2018
The 2017 season was a down year for Nelson, likely due to Aaron Rodgers not being under center for nine games. Cobb had a decent season but he has played much better in the past.
Why cut Nelson
Nelson is just a few years away from retirement. At 32 years old, he doesn’t have much time left. If the Packers want to get younger, cutting Nelson would be the way to go.
He has also shown that if he isn’t working with Rodgers, he doesn’t make as much of an impact on the field. When Brett Hundley filled in as the starter, Nelson’s numbers took a serious hit.
With Davante Adams, someone who plays very similar to Nelson, now the likely number one option for the Packers, it makes even more sense to release Nelson.
If he stays with the Packers, Nelson comes with a $12.5 million cap hit. The Packers could really use that money to improve the defense or give Rodgers the extension he deserves.
Related Story: Packers roster review: Jordy Nelson
Why cut Cobb
However, there is a brotherly bond between Nelson and Rodgers. With reports of Rodgers unhappy with some front office decisions, releasing one of Rodgers’ favorite players may not be the smartest idea.
Cobb hasn’t produced great numbers since the aforementioned 2014 season. He has been reliable at times, but overall, there is something left to be desired for the University of Kentucky alum.
The Packers have tried using him at different positions on offense and special teams since his rookie season. Nothing has seemed to click for him. It’s been hard to watch because you know the potential that he has.
In addition, Cobb will take a slightly bigger cap hit in 2018, at $12.7 million. Like Nelson, the Packers could use that extra money to bring in help on defense or give Rodgers that huge extension.
It makes sense that Cobb is the more likely to be released. He takes more of a cap hit and he hasn’t had a major impact on offense in quite some time.
Related Story: Packers roster review: Randall Cobb
Whoever isn’t cut, there may be some contract renegotiating too. So if the Packers were to keep Nelson over Cobb, as the early reports suggest, Nelson may not even make $12.5 million in 2018.
That is something to watch for too.