By Jordan Long
The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t able to reach a long-term contract extension with wide receiver A.J. Green before last week’s deadline. Green signed his franchise tender which is going to pay him around $18 million this season. He hopes to stay in Cincinnati for the rest of his career.
Green is the top wide receiver for Cincinnati. He has proven that throughout his 8 year NFL career. He ranks #2 in franchise history in receiving yards and touchdowns with 8,907 yards and 63 touchdowns, only Chad Johnson has more at 10,783 yards and 66 touchdowns. Most likely Green is going to move into 1st place in franchise history in touchdown receptions this season.
Green wants to stay in Cincinnati for the rest of his career. According to Msn.com, Green said, “I’ve got the same mindset. I want to play another four years and I hope to retire as a Bengal. There were never harsh words. I understand there’s a business side of it. For me, I just want to play football.”
The problem with Green is how healthy is he? He missed all but 9 games last year because of torn ligaments in his left ankle which occurred in the first practice of the preseason. Green was still productive with 694 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. The Bengals won’t know how healthy he is until the start of the season and training camp.
A healthy Green gives rookie quarterback Joe Burrow a large target to throw to. Those will equal huge gains and first downs. Burrow needs a veteran wide receiver to make his transition to the NFL game easier.
This is a “prove it” year for Green. If there is a football season during the COVID19 pandemic, Green must show he can catch the football and make plays for the team. Green needs to be able to surpass at least 800 yards receiving. This will show Green is 100% healthy and Cincinnati might give him a new deal to stay with the team long-term at the end of the year. Otherwise, Green is set for free agency after the season. His long-term future with the franchise is up in the air.
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