The B17 was a 4 engine bomber in WWII and many of them took damage and kept flying on 2 engines. However, If you took away enough engines the plane would eventually crash. Its kinda like that with the Cobb situation. Obviously you can add another WR to take Cobbs place so the analogy isn't 100% but its close.
I think I said in another post (maybe it was on another forum) that I am getting a little tired of the "as long as Ted is drafting them and as long as Aaron is throwing to them it doesn't matter who we have at the WR position" Aaron may make WRs better but what would you rather have A great WR who is better with Aaron throwing to him or an average WR who is better with Aaron throwing to him. Some of you will argue that he is only great BECAUSE Aaron is throwing to him but I would disagree. The point is if a WR is better before you add Aaron into the picture he will be that much better after. Adding in just a guy and expecting him to simply take up where Cobb left off is a little unrealistic in my book. I'm not saying it can't happen but I'd rather go into the next 3 or 4 years knowing WR is not an area of need. I could keep on top of the situation with lower round draft picks to keep the cupboard stocked if you will but I could concentrate my top picks and my main FA focus on areas where I have more of a need. In my opinion that is how you run a football team. Keep your strengths strong and work on your weaknesses. Obviously it comes down to money and you only have so much to spend so if one of your strengths is demanding an unreasonable amount you may not have a choice other than to wish him luck elsewhere and move on. I don't think that is the case here however. 9 million, if we can assume that is what it will take, is not unreasonable. He may not be "worth it" in some senses (the whole slot receiver vs #1 WR argument) but what happens if we let him walk and we can't find a guy to adequately replace him. That's not a chance I would be willing to take for an extra million dollars or do even if it does mean giving a guy a little more than he is worth.
Though Camper's comments may have been a little melodramatic I agree with his sentiments. I will not fault Cobb for any decision he makes. If we offer him the most and he stays or if he stays for less than he could get elsewhere I will be ecstatic. If he takes a higher offer and leaves I will be very disappointed but I won't blame him. The thing is I don't think he would be unreasonable. He seems like a smart guy who understands the benefits of having a two time MVP throwing him the ball. If I'm running the Packers though I don't let him test the FA waters without at least making him a competitive offer. Something like 4 years 37 million 14 million guaranteed with salaries of 2.5, 5.5, 6.5, 8.5 or thereabouts. Maybe make some of the salary into roster and workout bonuses like they did with nelson to reduce the dead money if things go south. That keeps the cap hit under 10 for the first 3 years and even in year 4 its not bad. I think this is doable and fair for both sides. he may not jump on it right away but it gives him something to compare. He may not be "worth" this kind of money but IMO he is worth it, the Packers have it and would be foolish not to at least offer it.