One of my former colleagues at a local publication said the Cowboys got off to an “aggressive” start to Week 2 of free agency. I believe he’s referencing the team actually signing a player whose name sounds familiar to fans, Randall Cobb.
If you can’t have the great Aaron Rodgers, you might as well sign his favorite slot receiver. Rodgers finally chased poor Mike McCarthy out of town because the coach did little to hold onto his favorite targets. McCarthy was last seen berating the officials at a high school basketball game, which seemed like a cry for help.
Rodgers had connected with Cobb for 39 touchdowns in the regular season dating back to 2011. The quarterback posted a quote on Instagram Tuesday from the film “Shawshank Redemption,” which is likely on TNT this evening:
“I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged . . . And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone. I guess I just miss my friend. #friendship #teammates #brothers #Packers”
Cobb’s numbers have fallen off due to Rodgers’ injuries, as well as his own. He was one of the most prolific receivers in the NFL in 2014, with 106 catches for 1,465 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was a solid playmaker the next two seasons and then saw his numbers dip precipitously the past two seasons. I like that he’s signed a one-year contract as he’s about to turn 29. He basically has one last chance to earn a multi-year contract, so this becomes a prove-it-or-lose-it season. I went years without ordering a Cobb, but now it makes sense. Cobb’s reputation as a superb scramble-drill receiver is something that should serve him well since Dak Prescott often extends plays with his feet, as opposed to his hands.
I’ve noticed some Twitter skirmishes breaking out between some of my esteemed Doomsday podcast employees and the film-watching savants from The Athletic. There’s an argument as to whether Cobb is an upgrade over the diminutive Cole Beasley. I think they are both talented players who have different skill sets. Beasley was a clutch player who did an amazing job getting open on third downs.
I think Cobb is superior at being able to use double moves to get open downfield. Before Amari Cooper arrived on the scene, we begged the fallen Scott Linehan to explore passes that traveled more than seven yards in the air. Cobb is also a little better than Beasley at piling up yards after the catch, hereafter known as YAC. The argument for keeping Beasley was that he already had chemistry with Prescott and was fun to follow on social media due to a hubris that exceeded his production, at times.
But the one-year deal for Cobb allows the Cowboys to have a talented slot receiver without making a long-term commitment. It seems to me a win-win for both the Cowboys and Beasley, who signed a more lucrative deal than Cobb.
The Cowboys have tried to be opportunistic in hosting veterans Eric Berry and Robert Quinn on visits. Of course, they haven’t landed either of those players. It’s just comforting to know the Cowboys are at least participating in free agency, at some level.
Otherwise, we’d have to focus on starting defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford being involved in a brawl in a Panama City, Fla., bar. The good news is that Crawford showed great strength at the point of attack and seemed to be holding his own against several security guards. Jerry Jones owns a vacation house about 25 minutes away from where the fight occurred, so perhaps he can launch his own investigation. Jason Witten also has a place nearby, but he’s not much of a night owl and wasn’t able to rush to Crawford’s aid.
For now, take solace in the Cowboys having a completely different look at wide receiver than at this same time last year. A trio of Cooper, Cobb and Michael Gallup looks somewhat formidable on paper. It’s time to bid farewell to the Beasley era and embrace the former Kentucky quarterback, Cobb. This man is not as combative on social media and provides another deep threat.
Maybe taking the first week of free agency off wasn’t such a bad idea. The Cowboys have waded into the secondary market of free agency. Ain’t no reins on this thing.