The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing A.J. Green back for a 10th season.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Bengals will use the franchise tag on the veteran wide receiver. The move means that Green will return to the Bengals for their rebuild next season. Cincinnati holds the N0. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and they're expected to draft Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow.
There had been uncertainty regarding the 31-year-old's future in Cincinnati. Green had missed the entire 2019 campaign due to an Achilles' injury. He had also made it clear at the end of last season that he had no problem with the franchise tag.
“I have no problem with the franchise [tag],” Green said, via Geoff Hobson of the team website. “I don’t like it, but I’m not a guy that’s going to sit out the whole year. But at the end of the day, that shows me they’re not committed to me. That’s fine. They have a business they have to run. As the player, I have my own business, so if you do that I have to protect myself.
“If you’re not committed to me long-term, I understand. There are no hard feelings. You have a business to run. All great businesses face difficult decisions. I understand that. For me, I have to make a big decision as well.”
During the 2010's decade, Green established himself as one of the top receivers in the NFL. He was named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls during his first seven seasons and was a three-time All-Pro selection.
As he enters his age-32 season, it'll be Green's job to make Burrow's transition to the NFL that much smoother.
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