NFL: The New York Jets are often billed as the Green Bay Packers of the AFC East. Of course, former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was traded to New York this offseason to make way for 2020 NFL Draft pick Jordan Love. However, Rodgers is far from the only former Packer on the Jets’ roster.
In addition to Rodgers, the Jets have signed Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Tim Boyle, Billy Turner, Adrian Amos, and others, not to mention offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Earlier this week, Jets wide receiver Corey Davis shocked the NFL with his shocking decision to suddenly retire. All of a sudden, Aaron Rodgers’ crew of wide receivers was down a talented pass catcher who was competing for a top-four role on the offense.
Or was he?
New York Jets Insider Reveals Former Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Randall Cobb Has Been Getting a Bigger Role in Practice (NFL)
One of the worst kept secrets in the Jets organization is that had they been able to sign a top free agent wide receiver like Odell Beckham Jr., they would have cut Davis. After signing a three-year $37.5 million contract with the Jets in 2021, Davis appeared in just 22 regular season games. His constant injuries made it possible that the Jets would have had him as their fifth wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson, Lazard, Cobb, and Mecole Hardman).
When Cobb was first signed by the Jets, many assumed it was solely because of Rodgers, and it probably was. Very few, however, expected Cobb to have a big role in the offense.
Zack Rosenbaltt of The Athletic, though, reports that even before Davis’ sudden retirement, Cobb was getting more and more reps in practice:
“Cobb’s role should increase. It already felt like that was happening over the last week or two, even before Davis started missing practice. Cobb has been getting more targets and reps with Rodgers and the starters than Hardman, which is notable considering those are the two primary options at slot receiver.
“Rodgers obviously has built-in chemistry with Cobb, and that goes beyond football. Rodgers is the godfather to one of Cobb’s sons, and both of Cobb’s sons call him ‘Uncle Aaron.’ Cobb isn’t as quick as he used to be, but he has experience in this offense, reliable hands and positional versatility. Hardman has some chemistry with Rodgers but is still learning how to play with him.
“Talent-wise, Hardman should and will still get on the field. Nobody on the roster is as fast as him, after all. But don’t underestimate how much the 33-year-old Cobb will be involved in the offense, especially since he brings more in the run game than Hardman, which theoretically should help to minimize Davis’ loss in that area.”
Packers fans may recognize this sentiment all too well, and will be the first to say that it’s a bad idea to have Cobb as a top-three wide receiving option at this point in his career.
Over the last three seasons, Davis missed 13 total games. During that same time, Cobb missed 14. Yes, chemistry with Rodgers is important, and Cobb himself told the other Jets wide receivers that they will not get the ball thrown to them unless they earn Rodgers’ trust.
Now, if you’re a Packers fan, you read that and were immediately taken back to all the times Rodgers force-fed Davante Adams or another favorite receiver in the NFL Playoffs, even though others were wide open.
Let’s face it: Cobb was a very good wide receiver back in his prime, but injuries have taken their toll. If he is the Jets’ third option at wide receiver, well, everyone saw how well that worked out in Green Bay last year.
Want to stay updated on all things Packers? Dive deeper into the dynamics between Randall Cobb and Aaron Rodgers, and how it impacts the team. For more insights, check out our Green Bay Packers News section!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aaron Rodgers favorite receiver?
Aaron Rodgers' favorite receiver is Randall Cobb, who spent 10 years catching his passes in Green Bay. With his experience, Cobb is now sharing insights with young Jets receivers about their new quarterback's tendencies. This knowledge transfer is happening in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Was Randall Cobb ever a quarterback?
Yes, Randall Cobb was a quarterback during his high school career at Alcoa. He also played offense, defense, and special teams, and was an All-District basketball player. Additionally, he excelled as a track star.
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