Wide receiver Randall Cobb, who would have been easily one of the most sought-after free agents if he had hit the market on Tuesday, has re-signed with the Green Bay Packers on a 4-year, $40 million contract. The news was first confirmed by team sources late in the evening on Saturday, March 7th.
The signing will be popular with Cheeseheads everywhere, as Cobb has been a solid contributor for Green Bay throughout his career since getting drafted in 2011. As a return specialist during his rookie season, Cobb gained over 1200 yards, including 2 returns for scores.
Cobb continued to make an impact in 2012, finishing with 80 catches for 954 yards (both team-leading numbers) and 8 touchdowns in his first season as a starting WR. An injury-plagued 2013 limited him to just 6 games, but 2014 proved to be a bounce-back year, as Cobb finished with career highs in catches (91), yards (1287), and touchdowns (12).
With Cobb’s return, head coach Mike McCarthy will doubtless be pleased that all the key components of his offense are set in place. The Packers fell just one game short of making it to the Super Bowl this past season, and were in fact literally within 2 minutes of winning the NFC Championship. With an offense boasting the likes of Cobb, Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, and Eddie Lacy, Green Bay should be considered one of the prime contenders for the NFC crown in 2015, and with roughly $24 million still left to them under the 2015 salary cap, they still have room to elevate themselves to favorites by shoring up their defense.
This signing might have a domino effect throughout the league as well, as other notable receivers like Philadelphia’s Jeremy Maclin and Baltimore’s Torrey Smith are slated to become free agents as well. Cobb’s contract may give Maclin and Smith added leverage in negotiations with their current teams during this open period before the free agency signing period begins on Tuesday, March 10th.
(Feature Image: Getty/Tom Pennington)