- AJ Green signed a franchise tender with the Cincinnati Bengals; will earn $18.2 million.
- The player and the organization haven’t reached an agreement about a long-term contract, but it is expected to see one in the future.
- Green is one of the best players in Bengals’ history.
- The organization wants him to stay in the team and help the No.1 pick from this draft, QB Joe Burrow.
Green Stays in Cinci for One More Year
The prolific wide receiver and the Bengals didn’t manage to work out a long-term deal, but he will stay in Ohio for at least one more year. Green signed a franchise tender, which will bring his $18.2 million, and he is now obligated to report to the training camp.
Cincinnati’s fans were hoping to see a different outcome, but after several months of negotiation, the involved parties didn’t come up with a solution that would please everyone. According to the player, right now signing a franchise tender is the best choice, because it gives more time to both him and the team to reach a deal.
“It’s best for me just to go out there and play on this franchise tag, and then we revisit this after the season,” Green said.
The same voices are coming from the other side. Bengals’ executives are happy with the current outcome, and they too plan to continue negotiations as time progresses.
AJ Green has been the focal point of Cincinnati’s offense ever since he arrived from college. The organization picked him as the fourth overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, and he immediately made a massive impact on the field.
In each of his six seasons when he didn’t have injury issues, Green recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards. He is a seven-time Pro Bowl player, and was named to three All-Pro second teams. In eight seasons played he posted 8,907 yards and 63 touchdowns.
Green had multiple injuries in the last four years, missing 29 games combined. He would skip the entire 2019 campaign because of torn ankle ligaments.
However, everybody expects him to be fully healthy and ready to enter the new season along with the new quarterback – Joe Burrow.
Green to Help Burrow’s Growth
Cincinnati’s executives want Green to stay for multiple reasons, and one of them is to help Burrow. The No.1 pick from this draft needs a reliable target, which would help him gain confidence, but also requires a veteran who would explain to him how to create a connection with his receivers.
Green, as one of the best wide receivers in the last decade, is the perfect solution. And he too can’t wait to start playing with Burrow.
“I know the type of player he is, and I know he’s a dog,” Green said. “I know he’s a dog for a fact. So I’m excited to play with him. I just can’t wait to get out there.”
Bengals’ training camp is set to start on July 28 in Cincinnati.
