Reports: Packers Expected to Part Ways With Randall Cobb

The veteran wide receiver will reportedly be allowed to test the free agent market. 

Multiple reports have surfaced over the last 24 hours, including this report from ProFootballTalk, indicating the Packers intend to move on from Randall Cobb this offseason, allowing him to walk away in free agency without a new contract.

This development isn't exactly a surprise; there had been speculation throughout most of the season that Cobb would not be resigned after his contract expired following the 2018 season. While still just 28 years old, Cobb already has eight years of NFL wear and tear on his body, including some lingering injury problems that plagued him throughout much of this season. His production has also been generally on the decline since his breakout 2014 season, the only year in which he surpassed 1,000 yards (1,287) and 10 touchdowns (12). 

Still, the seemingly inevitable departure of Cobb does represent the closure of an era at the wide receiver position for the Packers, and the loss of a receiver who had undeniably earned Aaron Rodgers' trust. Cobb was drafted out of Kentucky in the second round of the 2011 draft, joining what was one of the better receiving corps in NFL history alongside Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jermichael Finley as the team broke all kinds of franchise and NFL records for the passing game that year. 

It wasn't long before Cobb blossomed from being a situational role player to a go-to weapon in the Packers' offense. His versatility and reliability made him valuable all over the field on offense and in the return game. 

No official word yet has come from the Packers about their intentions with Cobb or other big-name would-be free agent Clay Matthews, but both players will be free agents at the start of the league new year, so time is rapidly running out for them to get a new contract before they hit the open market. 

 

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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.

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Comments (18)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Lphill's picture

February 26, 2019 at 05:09 pm

Sorry to see Cobb go I wish he could have gotten a Ring . Hello Raiders !

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TKWorldWide's picture

February 26, 2019 at 08:50 pm

It’s a business. We wish him well.

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Bert's picture

February 26, 2019 at 05:31 pm

Cobb has been a good Packer so I wish him the best and I hope he lands in a good situation for him. But we do have to move on.

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Swisch's picture

February 26, 2019 at 05:33 pm

I'll remember especially the big catch against the Bears a few years ago (2013?) to put the Packers into the playoffs.
Cobb was a baller who found ways to win. He is going to be very much missed.
Sad to say, eight years is a long time in the NFL. Cobb looked slow last season. Unless there is a good potential for a big turnaround, this seems the right move for the Packers.
God bless you, Randall, and all the best in the future as a football player and beyond.

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carlos's picture

February 27, 2019 at 11:45 am

Good team and locker room guy. At the same time if you’re always hurt you lose any value you had in the past. Hello Nick Perry. Hopefully King can stay on the field.

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GBPDAN1's picture

February 26, 2019 at 06:25 pm

He's still young, but the production just wasn't there lately. Curious to see what he's offered in FA. If he's not offered a lot, maybe he comes back really cheap for 1-2 years? Or, Is this a permanent door closure like Jordy Nelson last year, as in no offer no matter what?

Either way, good Luck, Randall. Lots to good memories.

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albert999's picture

February 26, 2019 at 09:31 pm

i only posted this 24 hours ago

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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 26, 2019 at 09:46 pm

All around good guy. True professional but it is time to move on. I wish him well. I am sure he can still be productive for another team.

Dash

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Leo Van Groll's picture

February 27, 2019 at 07:35 am

Sad to see him go, but he was always no more than a complimentary receiver. When the #1 receiver wasn't there, he disappeared. Remember when Jordy was hurt? All we heard was "no one is getting open". IMO they have big plans for Kumerow in the slot, who always gets open.

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stockholder's picture

February 27, 2019 at 07:55 am

We expected to much. He wanted more. Hope he finds it.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 27, 2019 at 08:26 am

Yes, Cobb like Jordy and Driver before him all class acts and true Packer players. Time to move on but wish him only the best!

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Guam's picture

February 27, 2019 at 08:43 am

Always sad to see a veteran (and Bear killer) go and I wish him the best. That said, the Packers can certainly use the $10 million in cap space he frees up. Still waiting for the other shoes (Matthews and Perry) to drop...….

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Slim11's picture

February 27, 2019 at 09:07 am

There is no cap savings for Cobb. His contract expires before the new league year begins.

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Guam's picture

February 27, 2019 at 03:07 pm

Perhaps I expressed myself poorly when I said it frees up $10 million. There is no cap savings, but there is an additional $10 million available to sign other players that wasn't available last year.

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LeotisHarris's picture

February 27, 2019 at 09:22 am

I wish this could be different, but it's the right call to let Cobb walk. As so many have said; great guy, wish him the best at his next stop.

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crayzpackfan's picture

February 27, 2019 at 09:53 am

It’s too bad while in his prime he had injuries and coaches, who IMO, lacked the imagination and creativity to take full advantage of his talent. I enjoyed watching him on Sunday’s and hopefully he lands somewhere good and has continued success.

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Tundraboy's picture

February 27, 2019 at 02:06 pm

Always wanted to see Cobb throw a pass or two. McCarthy never really used him right.

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DD's picture

February 27, 2019 at 03:03 pm

I love Cobb as a person and a player when available. But, time to move on.

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