Bengals Make Surprising A.J. Green Decision
The Bengals made a surprising A.J. Green decision this week.
Cincinnati’s Pro Bowl wide receiver missed all of last season due to torn ankle ligaments.
It was a huge blow to the team’s offense and a big reason why they ultimately finished with the league’s worst record.
This offseason, Green officially becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The Bengals did not end up moving him before the trade deadline last season, so many believe the organization thinks it has a decent shot of retaining Green.
During Tuesday’s Senior Bowl action, head coach Zac Taylor was asked about Green’s future with the franchise.
According to Taylor, the Bengals want their 31-year-old star back.
Just asked Zac Taylor off podium if AJ Green was a priority for the #Bengals to bring back and he said he definitely is. Said he is back healthy and a huge weapon; says the plan is for him to remain in Cindy but there will have to be contract conversations this spring.
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) January 21, 2020
When pressed on whether retaining Green was a priority, Taylor said it “definitely” was.
Taylor’s enthusiasm for keeping Green makes sense. The team is reportedly planning on drafting LSU’s Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
There is no better way to ensure your rookie quarterback has a smooth transition to the pros than getting him a future Hall of Fame receiver to throw the ball to.
Green currently ranks No. 11 among active players at his position in receptions, seventh in yardage and fifth in touchdowns.
Over the course of a six-year stretch from 2011 to 2017, Green earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl nods and caught for more than 1,000 yards six times.
The big question is how much Green still has in the tank after all of his injury woes.
It appears the Bengals think the answer is a lot, and they are going to act accordingly in the offseason to try and retain him.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
