Aaron Rodgers continues to put together an MVP season partially because he is healthy and playing well and partially because his playmakers are doing their job and beyond. The Green Bay Packers' offense, despite a slipup over the Buffalo Bills, has been the best in the league this season and Rodgers is aware that it is because of guys like Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson. That is why the quarterback is advocating that certain players get the raises they have earned in the offseason.
Cobb is having a career-high year as he prepares to break franchise records with just a few more touchdown catches. His 1,076 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns are certainly coming at the right time considering the wide receiver is in the final year of his contract. The Packers attempted to get a deal done last season, but negotiations failed to come together and now Rodgers wants to make sure Green Bay does not mess up a second time around.
Rodgers went on his weekly radio show via ESPN and said that it is "very important" that the Packers are able to sign Cobb to a long-term extension this offseason. He went on to gush over his teammate saying he is an "excellent practice player" and someone who "embodies what it means to be a Packer." As a slot receiver, Cobb has proven to be one of the best draft picks by the Packers and now hopes to see that mirrored in dollar signs.
Cobb will likely earn a contract similar to that of Victor Cruz with the New York Giants. He signed a five-year, $43 million extension, the best deal for a slot receiver. Cobb currently leads all slot receivers in stats this season. His deal will come after Green Bay signed Nelson to an extension last summer, giving the receiver a four-year, $39 million extension.
It is easy to see why Rodgers wants Cobb around. He and Nelson have combined to form the best wide receiver duo this season, both coming close to breaking franchise records. The duo needs to combine for just three more touchdowns in the final two games to become the best touchdown tandem in Packers' history. They would move ahead of the 24 Nelson created alongside Greg Jennings back in 2011.
Cobb has made no indications that he intends to leave Green Bay in free agency. However, he has made no indications that he intends to take a "team friendly" deal either. The Packers do have a franchise tag to use after failing to do so last season, so keeping Cobb around for at least another year is an option. However, like Rodgers said, the team would be wise to get the deal done now before he breaks more records next season.
