Oakland Raiders: 6 Questions the Team Must Answer Quickly

Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver

(18) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Question #4: Is Randall Cobb Truly Worth $11-12 Million a Season?

And speaking of bidding wars…

Reports have already “leaked” out that McKenzie is preparing a mammoth contract offer for the soon to be former Packers receiver. Some sources say that the deal McKenzie is currently putting together would pay Cobb around $11 million annually. The last time the Raiders paid a receiver that much money was – oh wait, they’ve never paid a receiver that sort of money.

Of course, they’ve rarely been in a position to nab a receiver of Cobb’s caliber. 91 receptions, 1,287 yards, and 12 TD’s are likely going to get you paid very well in the NFL.

But the questions remain – was Cobb a product of a favorable system and an elite quarterback in Aaron Rodgers? Or is he really that good? Is Cobb ready to be a number one receiver? Can he handle the pressure of being the focal point of a team’s offense?

And most importantly, how much is he worth?

With a bunch of receiver needy teams around the league, there is going to be an intense bidding war for Cobb. Likely, only a handful of those teams actually have the means to pay him. But how much will he be getting paid is the question.

If Jacksonville knows the Raiders are about to offer $11 million a season, given that they have more cap room and a desperate need of their own, what is going to stop them from offering up $12 million? And would McKenzie then up it to $13 million?

How much is too much before the stakes in the Cobb-derby get too rich for McKenzie’s blood?

Next: Question #5 - Ndamukong Suh