Packers lock up free-agent receiver Cobb

The Green Bay Packers finished their first order of business in free agency, reaching agreement with wide receiver Randall Cobb on Saturday, just three days before he was set to hit the open market. According to ESPN, Cobb and the Packers reached agreement on a four-year, $40 million deal that equals the yearly average Jordy Nelson received in a five-year, $43 million contract extension signed in July and assures the team it will have quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Nelson and Cobb together through 2018. NFL Network reported that $17 million of Cobb’s contract was guaranteed. Cobb and Nelson became the first duo in franchise history to catch 10-plus touchdown passes in the same season. Cobb’s 91 receptions rank seventh in franchise history and together with Nelson (92) they became the only pair of Packers to reach 90 receptions each in the same season. In other NFL offseason news, the Houston Texans came to agreement to keep ace cornerback Kareem Jackson just hours after they re-signed right tackle Derek Newton to a five-year deal reportedly worth $26.5 million. Jackson, who was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday, agreed to a four-year deal, according to ESPN.com. The deal is worth $34 million and guarantees $20 million, according NFL.com. Jackson, Houston’s first-round pick in 2010, has 10 interceptions and 50 passes deflected in five seasons with the team. He missed three games in 2014 with a torn MCL but still finished with 57 tackles and three interceptions. The New Orleans Saints and former Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram also reached agreement on a four-year deal over the weekend, worth $16 million over the four years. The 25-year-old ran for a career-high 964 yards and nine touchdowns, despite missing three games with a broken hand early in the season. He also earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl as an alternate.