Randall

Cobb

Earlier reports said Cobb had retired after it was announced he was joining the SEC Network for the upcoming season. Cobb later took to social media to clear the air, saying he’s not officially walking away from the game, leaving the door open for a potential return. Regardless, it would be surprising if Cobb, who turns 34 next month, suits up for an NFL team in 2024. Cobb caught just five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown in 11 games last season and is well into the twilight of his playing career.

Cobb is walking away from the field and entering the broadcasting game as a studio analyst for the SEC Network. The former Kentucky wide receiver was a second-round pick of the Packers in 2011 and established himself as one of the league’s top slot receivers during his second season when he went for 80-954-8 on 104 targets. Cobb’s production topped out at 91-1287-12 in 2014, but the veteran receiver strung together a long, productive career in which he totaled more than 7,600 receiving yards along with 54 receiving touchdowns. His final season, which came last year with the Jets, was an underwhelming one. After being brought in by long-time Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers, Cobb played a minimal role for the team in 2023, catching just five passes over the 11 games he appeared in.

Frequently a healthy scratch, 33-year-old Cobb caught five passes all year. It’s unclear what the plan was here. Not even Aaron Rodgers can keep Cobb on this 53-man roster for 2024.

Cobb headlines the team’s inactives for the second consecutive week. Rookie undrafted free agent wide receiver Xavier Gipson stepped into the featured slot role in the absence of Cobb a week ago and should do the same in Week 10 against the Raiders.

Cobb has three receptions this year. He was listed as questionable because of a shoulder injury, though NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later called it a healthy scratch. His absence won’t affect much for the Jets’ offense. Xavier Gipson should pick up some extra routes in his place.

Cobb, Aaron Rodgers’ longtime friend and one of many Packers recruits to tag along with Rodgers to New York, has gone from veteran mentor to starting wideout in the matter of months. “Cobb has looked like the Jets’ best option as a slot receiver,” Rosenblatt said. The retirement of Corey Davis — a boundary receiver — likely didn’t have much to do with Cobb getting the starting slot gig. Meanwhile, Rosenblatt said Mecole Hardman will be used mostly as a “gadget player” in the Rodgers offense. Cobb could have some fantasy appeal in 14-team formats if he gets a full complement of pass routes from the slot.

Aaron Rodgers’ longtime buddy has been getting more first-team snaps than Mecole Hardman in recent days, per Rosenblatt. One of many Rodgers recruits, Cobb, 32, will be a full-time player if Rodgers wants him in that role. He could have some fleeting PPR value if he becomes New York’s primary slot guy this season. Cobb shouldn’t be drafted in 12-team leagues though.

Cobb joins RB Breece Hall and TE C.J. Uzomah on the Jets’ injury list. The 32-year-old slot receiver is returning from March ankle surgery, putting him in a race to get cleared for Week 1. Cobb projects as the Jets’ No. 5 receiver when healthy.

It’s reportedly a one-year deal. Cobb is the latest Rodgers buddy to make the trip from Green Bay to New York, along with Allen Lazard. In March, Rodgers gave the Jets a list of demands, including the signing of several former Packers. Rodgers had Packers brass bring Cobb, nearly 33, back to the Packers in 2021, after Cobb spent two years away from Green Bay, playing for the Cowboys and Texans. Cobb in 2022 caught 34 passes in 13 games, operating as the Packers’ primary slot guy. He’ll compete with Mecole Hardman for slot snaps this season. Rodgers will tell Jets coaches exactly how to deploy Cobb, along with every other offensive player. That could mean a surprising amount of playing time for Cobb, who might not be on an NFL roster if not for Rodgers. We’re monitoring the status of Donald Driver and James Jones.

It’s unclear how many former Packers need to be on the Jets’ roster before he accepts a trade to New York, but the answer is seemingly more than one. A previous report has the Jets actively trying to sign Lazard while another pegged New York as one of two potential landing spots for Lewis. Odell Beckham, on the other hand, could turn out to be a serviceable second receiver for them. Rodgers is making full use of his leverage in this situation, forcing the Jets GM Joe Douglas to bend the knee if he wants to land the four-time MVP. Given how desperate the Jets must be to replace Zach Wilson, it looks like Douglas will be meeting at least some of Rodgers’ demands as the two sides barrel toward a trade agreement.