CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 10, 2017: Wide receiver Randall Cobb #18 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball prior to a game on December 10, 2017 against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Green Bay won 27-21 in overtime. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
Randall Cobb isn’t capable of being a star for the Cowboys, but he can give Dallas an upgrade over Cole Beasley in the slot.
If the Cowboys think Randall Cobb is going to become a No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver again they will be sorely disappointed. If, on the other hand, they simply want him to replace Cole Beasley as Dak Prescott’s third option then he could turn out to be a valuable free agency signing.
ESPN is reporting that the former Packers wideout is in Dallas meeting with Cowboys officials today. There’s no claim that a deal between the two sides is imminent, but this isn’t a social trip for Cobb. It would be a mild upset if he leaves Dallas without agreeing to terms with the Cowboys.
Cobb struggled through an injury plagued season in 2018 that limited him to just 38 catches in nine games for the Packers. The Cowboys clearly believe his health can bounce back next season. At his best, he’s a slot receiver who can really produce yards after the catch. That’s a skill that sets Cobb apart when compared to Beasley who left the team to sign a free agent deal with Buffalo last week.
On the other hand, Beasley was the much more productive player last season. The Cowboys need to make an astute signing to replace his 65 catches. Cobb likely represents the top of the market for wide receivers left on the open market. His checkered injury history makes signing him a risk, but if he can turn in a healthy season for the Cowboys he could really prove to be an impact player.
The challenge will be for the Cowboys front office to convince Cobb to take a one-year contract. Committing multiple years to a player coming off such a poor season would be bad business. This is a classic example where the length of the deal will be much more important than the money.
In the end, the Cowboys need to add a veteran player to their receiving corps who can fill Beasley’s shoes right away. If the contract terms are right, Cobb is the right bet for Dallas to make.