The Raiders wanted Randall Cobb in silver and black. Pretty bad, in fact.
The 24-year old star receiver chose to stay in green and yellow. Cobb will remain with the Green Packers after agreeing to terms on a four-year, $40 million contract on Saturday night, according to multiple reports.
[RELATED: Reports: Cobb stays with Packers on multi-year deal]
The Raiders engaged with Cobb’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, on Saturday, when teams were allowed to contact and negotiate with representatives of unrestricted free agents. Contract parameters were discussed. It is uncertain how much the Raiders offered and in what terms, but league sources said prior to Saturday that they were going to be financially aggressive in pursuit of Cobb.
There has to be some disappointment in not reeling in a dynamic, versatile player like Cobb at a position of great need.
This also won’t help: According to NFL Network, Cobb turned down more money to stay in Green Bay.
Cobb was the top receiver set to hit the free-agent market, but he chose to stay with elite quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ electric offense.
The Raiders had plenty of money to spend, and Cobb ranked high among their top free agent priorities. After all, general manager Reggie McKenzie was involved in drafting Cobb in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft when he was the Packers' director or player personnel.
While Cobb is staying put, there are other quality receivers on the market. That list is now topped by Baltimore speedster Torrey Smith and Philadelphia playmaker Jeremy Maclin. San Francisco’s Michael Crabtree is in the next tier, along with Jacksonville’s Cecil Shorts and St. Louis’ Kenny Britt, among others.
The Raiders need help at receiver and will continue to search for it in free agency and the draft.
They are able to contact and negotiate with free agents over the next few days, but can’t formally execute a contract until Tuesday.
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