Green Bay Packers: Recent Trade by New York Jets Could Mean Return of Randall Cobb in 2023

The Green Bay Packers and New York Jets are still working out the details of an Aaron Rodgers trade. Earlier today, news broke that the Jets traded wide receiver Elijah Moore and a third round pick to the Cleveland Browns for a second round pick. Additionally, New York signed former All-Pro wide receiver Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract. Furthermore, the team is said to be in talks with free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Along with Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Mitchell, the Jets are poised to have an excellent core of wide receivers. What does that mean for Rodgers’ friend Randall Cobb? Perhaps it means he will be staying home.

Randall Cobb Could Return to the Green Bay Packers

For months, it has been speculated that Cobb would go wherever Rodgers went. After all, they are great friends. Rodgers is even godfather to one of Cobb’s children. The two walked off Lambeau Field together, arm in arm, after their Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions. It just made sense that their destinies were intertwined.

What if they aren’t, though? The Jets are going to be strapped for salary cap space once the Rodgers trade is complete. Now with Hardman on board, their cap space is even less. And if they sign OBJ, well, there may be less dollars than snaps for Cobb on their offense.

So Why Not Stay Home?

When the Packers traded for Cobb ahead of the 2021 NFL season, it was to appease Aaron Rodgers. There is no question about that. Rodgers also reportedly has Cobb’s name on a list of players he would like to play with that he gave to the Jets, a list that also included Allen Lazard, whom New York already signed.

All that being said, when Cobb and his wife returned to the Packers after seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, they were happy to be home in Green Bay. This is not to say he didn’t miss playing with his friend, Aaron Rodgers. However, the team, the organization is what was/is home for Cobb.

Signing Cobb for another year in Green Bay would not be the worst idea for the Packers either. He knows the offense, is an established leader in the locker room, and can help mentor the insanely young wide receiving core and the new starting quarterback, Jordan Love. With Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson already on the team, he does not need to start and can be used on situational plays. He is savvy, he moves the chains, and he does everything asked him.

Of course, health is a concern, as it would be for any wide receiver with the mileage Cobb has. But the Packers are in a situation where they are not going to be able to give top dollars to free agent wide receivers. If this is going to be a year of re-tooling, and it’s pretty much been established that it is, there are few risks to bringing back a respected leader to the team to help them through the transition.

And he won’t be expensive.

For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!