Packers GM: Trading for Cobb 'very important' to Rodgers

Randall Cobb is back with the Green Bay Packers for one reason only: Aaron Rodgers wanted him.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Thursday he acquired the wide receiver from the Houston Texans to help end the standoff with his franchise quarterback.

"I think that's a big part of it, I don't think without Aaron we would be pursuing him," Gutekunst said, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "This was a very important thing for Aaron and that's why we did it."

The Packers already had two starting wideouts in All-Pro Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The team also drafted Amari Rodgers in the third round of this year's draft; the rookie and Cobb are both primarily slot receivers.

Though Gutekunst wouldn't have added Cobb for a reported sixth-round pick without Rodgers' input, the executive is excited about bringing in another veteran to his team.

"Having Randall Cobb in our building is a positive," he said, according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "There's no doubt about that. What he brings not only as a player but a person in our locker room is a positive."

Rodgers outlined his issues with the Packers organization in a candid press conference Wednesday following his first training camp session.

The quarterback criticized how the front office treated outgoing veterans and lamented his lack of input in key personnel decisions, seemingly lending credence to reports during the offseason that Rodgers' frustrations centered mostly around Gutekunst.

The reigning NFL MVP described his relationship with the general manager as "professional." Gutekunst said he hopes to repair the bond with Rodgers, but that it will take both sides to do so.