Packers: 3 reasons to be excited about Randall Cobb’s return

Earlier Wednesday morning, Randall Cobb announced his return to the Green Bay Packers on Twitter.

Cobb had spent his first seven seasons with the Packers from 2011-’18, before leaving in free agency. He then spent the 2019 season with the Dallas Cowboys and the 2020 season with the Houston Texans.

In Dallas, Cobb averaged 15.1 yards per reception, the highest in his career. The trade sees Green Bay send a sixth-round 2022 draft pick in exchange for Cobb, along with Houston paying out $3 million of Cobb’s salary to make the deal work, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Let’s take a look at a few reasons why his return to Green Bay will benefit the team as a whole.

Reason #1: Cobb’s familiarity with Aaron Rodgers

It doesn’t have to be said outright, Randall Cobb and Aaron Rodgers have a chemistry together. With Rodgers from 2011-’18, he caught a total of 470 passes for 5,524 yards and 39 touchdowns, which finds him T-3rd in all-time touchdown receptions from Rodgers.

He was the go-to guy for Rodgers in the slot and played his role very well with the team. This time, however, even with a bit of age added (Cobb turns 31 in August), he still can provide the offense with a bit of a spark.

Reason #2: Cobb will be an excellent mentor for third-round pick Amari Rodgers

Packers’ rookie third-rounder Amari Rodgers, whom the team selected via trade-up in April, will be looking to get snaps on special teams as well as be in on more than a few gadget plays for Green Bay.

Rodgers has immense respect and praise for Cobb.

“He’s been like a big brother to me,” said Rodgers, according to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. “My whole middle and high school careers, he’s always been in my corner giving me tips on the game and things like that.”

Having Cobb in the locker room and out on the field as a teammate will only be even more of a motivator for Rodgers to give his all each and every snap he takes. Cobb, who started off in his rookie year on special teams as a kick/punt returner, will I’m sure be looking to give Rodgers as much advice as possible in order for him to succeed in his role with the team.

Reason #3: Cobb can be a leader both on and off the field

Along with the immediate chemistry between Aaron Rodgers and Cobb comes the leadership he can provide for the wide receiver room as a whole. Having spent the majority of his career with Green Bay, he will be looked at as the veteran presence to get the most out of each of the receivers the Packers have.

There’s a reason Rodgers looked to get him back on the team. Firstly, because he knows he can trust him to make the plays when they present themselves. He can be the spark plug on offense when it gets sluggish, and lastly, he knows this will probably be his final season in Green Bay and wants him to be along for the ride.

One thing’s for sure, this is shaping up to be one memorable season for the Packers as a whole. Time will tell whether or not this team has the ability to get over the hump and finally complete its goal of winning a Super Bowl — a decade after the team captured its last in 2011. The team seems to be all-in, it’s time to see if it all will pay off when it’s all said and done.