Texans: Can Randall Cobb build on his strong season with the Cowboys?

Ex-Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb had a resurgent year with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019. Can he build on it with the Houston Texans in 2020?

After eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers, wide receiver Randall Cobb signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency last year.

The Packers didn’t try to retain their savvy veteran — perhaps frustrated with the fact he hadn’t made it through a full 16-game season since 2015. On top of that, Cobb had just one 1,000-yard season on his resume — and on top of that, Davante Adams had already emerged as Aaron Rodgers’ go-to receiver in the Packers offense.

Lo and behold, Cobb had a terrific ninth season as a pro with the Cowboys.

With Dak Prescott throwing him the ball — and flanked by dynamic outside weapons Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup — Cobb ate up targets underneath for Dallas as their slot receiver. He finished 2019 with 55 receptions for 828 yards and three touchdowns.

The yardage total was the fourth-highest of his career — and was just one yard shy of matching the third-highest total he’d posted.

Now, Cobb finds himself playing for another team in the Lone Star State, having signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Houston Texans.

Especially with DeAndre Hopkins now an Arizona Cardinal, Houston is going to rely on Cobb to be a consistent weapon in their passing attack. Alongside fellow new addition Brandin Cooks, Cobb also has running mates in Will Fuller, Keke Coutee, and Kenny Stills atop the Texans receiving depth chart.

Randall Cobb is the elder statesman among the Houston Texans receivers

Cobb will turn 30 before the 2020 season gets underway. He’s easily the elder statesman among his peers in the wideouts room, and he’ll be expected to serve a dual role this season as both a productive receiver and as an experienced mentor to some of the younger offensive players.

It’s worth pointing out that Cobb’s deal isn’t cheap. In terms of total value, Cobb’s contract ranks 11th on the roster — though Cooks and Stills both have more expensive deals.

All the same, the onus will fall on Cobb to move the chains and keep Texans drives alive this season. Hopefully, the veteran’s 10th year in the league proves to be one of his best ones yet — the city of Houston is counting on it.