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The Green Bay Packers have had an explosive passing attack for years, but they needed to make sure to lock up their most versatile offensive weapon for the long haul. General manager Ted Thompson and Co. accomplished that on Saturday, agreeing to a new contract with dynamic wide receiver Randall Cobb.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal is four years, $40 million, and he revealed the team confirmed the move on Monday.



NFL.com's Ian Rapoport added how much is guaranteed:

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Rapoport also noted that Cobb had offers from six or seven other teams and turned down more money to remain in Green Bay.

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported that the Oakland Raiders, a rumored suitor for Cobb, were not planning to spend big for the wideout's service.

NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal added his take on why the deal makes sense for the Packers:

The four-year pact makes a ton of sense for both sides. Packers general manager Ted Thompson hoards cap space and is cautious in free agency because he wants to keep his homegrown successes. It would have been tough to watch Cobb walk out the door when he's such a perfect fit for Mike McCarthy's offense. The deal reminds us of Sam Shields' big contract last year; Green Bay pays a premium to avoid finding out what's behind free agency door No. 2.



A broken leg sidelined Cobb for 10 games during the 2013 season, but he proved to be durable during a career year in 2014. Cobb had 91 receptions for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Toward the end of the season, Cobb weighed in on the prospects of a fresh contract, per ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky:

There's no contract talks that have been going on right now, so I guess not. I guess there's still more to do. So, just continue to put my nose down every day and focus on getting the team into the playoffs and doing everything I can to bring back the Super Bowl.

Cobb was a second-round pick in the 2011 draft, so he wasn't costing the Packers much on his rookie deal. That necessitated a lucrative new contract, which should benefit Green Bay in a big way.

With former Offensive Rookie of the Year Eddie Lacy in the backfield and Jordy Nelson also at wide receiver, the Packers are as balanced as ever. Cobb has been known to line up at running back and take handoffs, too, and he's also an explosive return threat.

With Aaron Rodgers in his prime, Cobb seems like a good bet to justify the long-term contract Green Bay gave him.