Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin reports that the Packers have not in any way given up on their efforts to re-sign free agent WR Randall Cobb, despite a recent report from Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports that said Green Bay has begun to focus on other free agents.
According to La Canfora, the Packers are aware that Cobb’s asking price is likely to get “get out of hand,” and they’ve moved on to other free agents.
La Canfora added that the Packers are continuing to work on a new contracts for RT Bryan Bulaga, and NT Letroy Guion,
However, Wilde’s sources said that Cobb is viewed as a “core player” and Green Bay “definitely” want to keep him.
A separate source mentioned that the Packers informed their other free agents at the Combine that heir focus as of now is on retaining Cobb and Bulaga.
Wilde writes that there is a good chance that this situation could go down to the final hours before the start of free agency, which is what happened last year with CB Sam Shields.
Cobb is really one of the more interesting free agents in this year’s class given that there will be a ton of interest from cap-rich teams like the Raiders, Browns and Jaguars, which could may it difficult for the Packers to retain him at a market-value price.
Beyond that, he plays in the slot where teams have been reluctant to pay players big money.
Rob Demovsky previously mentioned that Cobb is seeking a contract that would pay him an annual salary of $9 million, and other reports have said as much, so it really wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up with a similar deal to what Jordy Nelson received last year.
Cobb, 24, played out his four-year, $3,209,421 rookie contract and is clearly in position for a sizable raise this offseason.
In 2014, Cobb caught 91 passes for 1,287 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. He also contributed as the team’s punt returner this year. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 wide receiver out of 110 qualifying players.
We have Cobb listed as the No. 11 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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