Aaron Rodgers friend no longer in Jets' plans, transitions to television

It wasn't exactly a storybook ending for Randall Cobb with the New York Jets .

The former Green Bay Packers ' wide receiver, who had previously spent 10 seasons alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was hardly a factor for the 2023 Jets. With Rodgers suffering a season-ending injury four offensive snaps into the opener, the two friends were deprived of the opportunity to win together in New York. After a season in which he was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions, Cobb has stepped away from playing but will remain in the football arena.

On Thursday, ESPN announced that Cobb, who will turn 34 years old on August 22, is joining its SEC Network broadcast team. He's slated to serve as an in-studio football analyst and will also make select appearances on SEC Now this fall.

“I am incredibly excited to be coming home to the SEC with this new role,” said Cobb, who competed collegiately for Kentucky, in an ESPN-issued press release. “The level of greatness this conference provides year after year is unmatched – I cannot wait return to the conference family with this SEC Network crew.”

Cobb, the last selection in Round 2 at the 2011 NFL Draft, isn't officially retired from the NFL yet, but it's hard to imagine there being much of a market for his services moving forward. He caught only 5 of 17 targets for 39 yards and one touchdown in 2023. The aging veteran was active for 11 games, totaling 210 offensive snaps.

Evidently ready to move on from Cobb prior to the end of last season, the Jets opted to not re-sign the slot receiver. Instead, New York drafted slot option Malachi Corley at No. 65 overall in April.

At this point, Cobb's value is as a veteran voice in the receivers' room, but it's difficult to justify using a roster spot on a player seemingly past his prime. In the meantime, Cobb, who made 630 receptions over 166 career NFL games, may prove to have a future in broadcasting.