3 free agents the Packers should happily let leave in 2023

Free agents Packers should happily let walk: Randall Cobb

OK, look, when Cobb leaves, it might not feel exactly “happy” for the Packers. Cobb has spent 10 of his 12 NFL seasons in Green Bay in two separate stints, and almost every one of those years came with playoff expectations.

Cobb, who has represented Green Bay in a Pro Bowl, is one of the first players you think of when you think of the Green and Yellow of the 2010s. There’s a reason Aaron Rodgers likes him and wanted him back, the receiver has nearly cracked the top 10 in receiving yards in Packers history and is fifth in targets thanks to his status as one of Rodgers’ top receivers.

But it’s likely time to move on from the Rodgers era, and the Packers should be happy to move on from Cobb for that reason: Its symbolism of a turning of a page that needs to happen sooner than later. That might sting for a moment, but it will be happy for the Packers if it allows them the opportunity to reset and build back stronger, which if history has taught us anything, it should. And with Rodgers’ departure will come some collateral ones, too, Cobb being one of them.

Cobb is older and past his prime. He still has some value and if he wants to continue his career, a team will likely pay him. But unfortunately, he doesn’t fit the cost savings need the Packers are currently in, and his latest stint here was partially motivated by Rodgers’ presence, which we expect to come to an end.