The Green Bay Packers live and die with the offense. Sure, the team's pass defense is solid and Clay Matthews wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. But this team's foundation is its ability to rack up chunk yardage and score points. That is why the looming free agency of wide receiver Randall Cobb is so important. Green Bay has yet to make much progress with the young and versatile pass catcher in contract negotiations, despite the fact that he set career highs in receptions (91), yards (1,287) and touchdowns (12) last year.
Have the Packers drawn a firm line in the sand when it comes to a new deal for Cobb?
"In 12 days, the NFL's free-agent feeding frenzy will commence," Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com wrote. "And once again, it might take until the 11th hour to get a deal done with another high-priority core player: Wide receiver Randall Cobb, one of the league's most appealing unrestricted free agents..."
Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported earlier this week that the Packers were not prioritizing Cobb in free agency. Since then, however, multiple media members - including ESPN Packers reporter Rob Demovsky - have refuted that report. Given how much support Cobb has, from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the coaching staff, coupled with his impressive play and youth (still just 24), it would be ludicrous to think that Green Bay would just let him walk in free agency without a fight.
"According to two NFL sources familiar with the Packers plans, the team hasn't in any way given up on its efforts to re-sign Cobb...Set to turn 25 in August, Cobb is viewed as a core player that the Packers definitely want to keep."
Although Cobb may be seeking a pricey contract - possibly north of $9 million annually - the Packers have upwards of $32 million in salary cap space this offseason and fellow wide receiver Jordy Nelson will count just $4.6 million against the cap in 2015.
If it wishes to, the Packers have until Monday at 3 p.m. to place the franchise tag on Cobb. Otherwise, the two sides will have until March 10, when free agency begins, to get a deal done before Cobb officially hits the open market. Negotiations may stretch longer than most Green Bay fans feel comfortable with, but it would be a bit surprising to see Cobb catching passes from anyone else but Rodgers next season.
