A.J. Green does not seem to fit in the Bengals’ long-term plan, so these five teams should be preparing a trade offer.
It’s a new era for the Cincinnati Bengals, with second-year head coach Zac Taylor and rookie quarterback Joe Burrow as the prominent faces. Quarterback Andy Dalton was finally cut, so wide receiver A.J. Green is the most prominent piece of Marvin Lewis era that remains.
The Bengals franchise tagged Green in March, and despite his assertion he wouldn’t turn down the $18 million it comes with he has not signed the tender. Regarding the prospects of a multi-year deal to stay in Cincinnati, Green didn’t offer much in recent comments to the Bengals’ website.
“We’ll see,” Green says. “Whatever happens is going to happen. When the time comes, I’ll be in the best shape to play my best ball this year no matter what happens. The best shape of my life.”
Green injured his left ankle in the first training camp practice last year, and he practiced just once all season before finally being put on IR. He has not played a game since Dec. 2, 2018, with only nine games played over the last two seasons.
But there’s no denying Green’s resume, with 602 receptions, 8,907 yards and 63 touchdowns in his career. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of his first seven seasons (2011-2017). He’ll turn 32 on July 31, but if he’s healthy he can surely be a difference maker.
Green’s age makes him a strained fit in Cincinnati’s long-term plan, and they may have drafted his replacement in Tee Higgins. Higgins even drew comps to Green.
Green might welcome a trade to a contender, on the idea he signs his franchise tender to open that door, and the Bengals can surely get some future assets for him in a deal.
These five teams should be preparing trade offers for the seven-time Pro Bowler.
5. Green Bay Packers
The Packers ignored a deep wide receiver class in this year’s draft, and Devin Funchess was the addition made in free agency. For all the talk about Aaron Rodgers being on his way out within a couple years, a move for another weapon this offseason can’t be ruled out.
Green Bay has less than $11 million in cap space right now, so they would have to send a player back to Cincinnati and probably do some contract restructuring to make room for Green’s $17.9 million franchise tag salary and cap hit north of $18 million.
Here’s how a Green to Green Bay deal might look.
Packers Get
WR A.J. Green
Bengals Get
OG Lane Taylor
2021 3rd Round Pick
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling