Randall Cobb is one of the most beloved Packers players in recent memory. He helped the Packers win Super Bowl XLV and provided many great memories to Packers’ fans. The organization decided not to bring him back in 2019, much to the dismay of many fans. Cobb spent 2019 with the Cowboys, but is a free agent once again. Given the Packers’ lack of depth at wide receiver, many are calling for the front office to bring Cobb back home to Green Bay. Here, we will present three reasons on why that may not be the best idea.
Other Free Agents
Even though the Packers went 13-3 last year and appeared in the NFC title game, they are team that has holes. The most pressing needs on this team are at inside linebacker and tight end. Austin Hooper, who the Packers have been linked to many times, is likely going to command a four-year contract worth $44 million dollars. The Packers are projected to have a little over $27 million in cap space. $11 million per year for Hooper will leave them with $16 million.
The Packers do not want to pay $10 million for an inside linebacker, so it is safe to assume that they would pay between $5 million and $7 million to whoever they sign. That leaves $9 million to $11 million. Once the draft class is signed, they will have between $4 million and $6 million left. Cobb made $5 million last year with the Cowboys, but should make more in 2020 based on his production. The Packers simply cannot afford to pay him what he is worth on paper.
Allen Lazard
Allen Lazard is one of the best young players the Packers have. Aaron Rodgers speaks highly of his abilities, and Lazard himself has said how excited he is to show his improvement in 2020. In 2019, Lazard was the Packers second-leading receiver with 447 yards and three touchdowns. Last season was his first full season in the NFL. Here are how his numbers compare to Cobb’s in his first full NFL season:
Cobb- 25 receptions for 375 yards and one touchdown; three fumbles
Lazard- 35 receptions for 447 yards and three touchdowns; zero fumbles
Admittedly, Lazard is more of a sideline receiver and Cobb is more useful in the slot. However, if the Packers are planning to utilize the tight end position more, the role of the slot receiver will diminish. In addition, Lazard is five years younger than Cobb and, therefore, has more productive years ahead of him.
Injury History
Cobb had a pretty good 2019 season with the Cowboys. However, the reason he was not with the Packers was due to the unknown surrounding his health. In his nine-year career, Cobb has played in all 16 games only twice. In two seasons (2013 and 2019), Cobb failed to play more than nine games. While he played in 15 games last season, the injury history still remains. Whether he could be healthy for a full season is a question that no one can answer. Even if the Packers could afford him, he may not play up to the contract in the event of an injury. Had Cobb not been a Packer prior to this off-season, there may not be much buzz in Green Bay about signing him now.
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