The Chicago Bears aren’t trying to hide their intentions at this point. Everybody knows they’re going to hunt wide receiving help this off-season. That’s the byproduct of having the worst passing offense in the league. This means every avenue is on the table from free agency to the draft. That includes potential salary cap cuts by other teams. Even main rivals if possible.
One team that could be set to make a big decision at wide receiver are the Green Bay Packers. They just handed DeVante Adams a lucrative new extension. This places the focus on veterans Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Both carry cap hits in excess of $9 million this year and both are in the final years of their respective contracts. With only $16 million in cap space projected, it’s possible the Packers may decide to move on from one of them.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network believes a decision is looming and that it’s Cobb who might end up getting the short end of the stick.
The #Cowboys and WR Dez Bryant are at a crossroads… but don't be surprised if they work it out with an extension (along with some #Packers notes). pic.twitter.com/6XhuKHTWF2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 15, 2018
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Randall Cobb could fit the new Chicago Bears offense well
Back in 2014, Cobb was emerging as one of the best receivers in the league. He went to the Pro Bowl that year with 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. Since then though his production has slackened. He hasn’t cracked 830 yards since then. The emergence of Adams has made his role in the offense even murkier. Part of this may be nagging health issues. He’s missed four games over the past two years with various problems.
That said he is just 27-years old and when featured in a game plan has proven he can still deliver some excellent performances.
Though not known for his speed, Cobb is a precision route runner with quickness and agility. If featured in an offense that can find him some space, he’ll get to the open spot for his quarterback. It’s hard to say he can ever regain the form he had four years ago but there is no doubt he’d be an upgrade over most of what the Bears have their roster.
At the same time, his deep knowledge of the Green Bay system can bring added benefits. Cobb is known for being a competitive, high intangibles guy. No doubt he’ll carry a big chip on his shoulder if the Packers end up releasing him. It wouldn’t be hard to receive a prominent role in the Bears offense. It could be a mutually beneficial relationship.
