Today, March 16, is the first day of the new NFL year. This means that the Green Bay Packers, like all other teams, had to get their salaries under the cap. Going into the offseason, the Packers needed to clear almost $47 million in cap space. Over the course of the last few days, Green Bay cut Za’Darius Smith, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, the gave new contracts to Aaron Rodgers, Preston Smith, and De’Vondre Campbell. Billy Turner was cut using an injury designation. All these moves, and more from earlier in the offseason, got the Packers within $4 million of being where they needed to be. Just minutes ago, Tom Silverstein reported that Randall Cobb is taking massive pay cut that will get the Packers under the salary cap.
To get under the salary cap, the #Packers cut WR Randall Cobb's salary by about $5.5 million. He was due to make around $8.5 million in total salary and now will make $3M, according to a league source.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 17, 2022
Randall Cobb on the Packers in 2021
Randall Cobb was sent home to Green Bay in a trade that was made to appease Aaron Rodgers. The move worked out well for both parties, as Cobb was a valuable contributor to the offense. Even though he did not put up big numbers and was hurt with a core injury for much of the year, Cobb proved to be a reliable target. He caught 28 passes this year for 375 yards. While these are not mind-blowing numbers, it is important to note that five of his catches were touchdowns and 21 of them were first downs. In other words, 26 out of 28 of Cobb’s receptions either moved the chains or put points on the board.
Why Is This Decision Important?
In addition to getting the Packers under the salary cap, the decision to bring Cobb back (and his decision to take a pay cut) ensures that one more wide receiver remains on the roster. Davante Adams and the Packers are far apart in contract negotiations, despite the two-time All-Pro being franchise tagged. Allen Lazard signed his tender, but Marquez Valdes-Scantling is expected to sign elsewhere. The Packers’ offense is coming together, but needs a couple more pieces. Cobb’s return was one of those.
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