Jets reunite Aaron Rodgers with veteran receiver and friend Randall Cobb
Randall Cobb of the Packers is congratulated by Aaron Rodgers following a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Oct. 28, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. Credit: Getty Images/Christian Petersen
The Jets have reunited Aaron Rodgers with another old friend and teammate.
Receiver Randall Cobb signed a one-year deal with the Jets, the team announced Wednesday. Cobb, 32, played with Rodgers for 10 years in Green Bay and the two are very close.
Rodgers and Cobb walked off Lambeau Field together after the Packers’ season-ending loss in January. Rodgers believed he played his last game as a Packer and wanted to leave with his longtime teammate.
Cobb caught 34 passes for 417 yards and a touchdown last year. He has 625 career catches for 7,585 yards and 53 touchdowns.
The one-time Pro Bowler will be the second former Packers receiver to join Rodgers and the Jets. They also signed Allen Lazard. Quarterback Tim Boyle and offensive tackle Billy Turner are other ex-Packers who are now Jets.
They all played for offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who held the same title in Green Bay from 2019-21.
Cobb will be part of a receiving group that currently includes Lazard, Garrett Wilson, Mecole Hardman, Corey Davis and Denzel Mims.
Rodgers picks on Sauce
Sauce Gardner, who went to Tuesday’s Knicks’ game with Rodgers, said his new quarterback teased him for not knowing some celebrities, including actress Jessica Alba.
“When we were getting seated, he was just picking on me a little bit for being young,” Gardner said. “We were about to sit by Jessica Alba and I’m just like, ‘I don’t know who that it is.’ He looked at me like I’m crazy.”
Gardner said it continued throughout the night as Rodgers asked him about other celebrities in attendance. Rodgers is 16 years older than Gardner.
Vera-Tucker makes progress
Versatile offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, who tore his triceps in Week 7 last year, has been taking part in individual drills during OTAs. He said he “should be ready” to do everything in training camp.
Vera-Tucker is regularly a guard, but he started games at right and left tackle last year due to injuries on the line. He said he’s comfortable playing anywhere. Thus far during OTAs, he’s lined up at guard, though.
Quinnen focused on fatherhood
Linebacker Quincy Williams said his brother Quinnen, who is skipping voluntary OTAs until he gets a contract extension, is doing “great” and awaiting the birth of his daughter.
“He’s focused on that right now,” Quincy said. “She should be coming in like the next two weeks. That’s our focus right now. And around the locker room, we’re very excited about it, too.”
Wilson wants in
Rodgers has attended Knicks and Rangers games with a number of teammates: Gardner, Boyle, Lazard, Breece Hall and Conner McGovern. Wilson wants to go next time.
“I got to figure out how I can get in with him and bum a seat,” Wilson said. “I would love to tag along on one of them little trips to the City they’ve been going on. We’ll figure it out soon.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
