Bengals star A.J. Green says he’ll be ready to return on Nov. 9 against the Ravens (Twitter link via Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic). Meanwhile, he says he’s not on board with the possibility of being franchise tagged in the offseason. 
It’s a mix of good news and not-necessarily-good news for the Bengals. Obviously, getting the star wide receiver back in time for Ryan Finley’s first start is a step in the right direction. Green believes that the Bengals would not be 0-8 if he was healthy and it’s hard to argue. The Bengals have other weaknesses, but Green’s absence has been glaring in an offense that has relied on him for years.
Green’s franchise tag concerns, however, could signal trouble in Cincinnati. Before the injury, the Bengals and Green were unable to come to terms on a long-term extension that likely would have kept him in the fold for the rest of his career. Now, Green is making it known that he wants to restart talks ASAP. For reference, this year’s franchise tag for wide receivers projects to be around the $18.5MM range.
Green’s last full season was in 2017, when he compiled 75 receptions for 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns. On the whole, he’s been one of the game’s most productive WRs since entering the league in 2011. Green earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first seven seasons and has topped 1,000 yards in six different seasons.
News flash aj: no one wants to be franchise tagged
I would. Paid top 3 in your position & the 2nd tag offers a 30% raise, sign me up.
Suffers injury and unable to lock up long term deal on the wrong side of 30. Football is the most demanding sport and players should be compensated. That being said once they “agree” to the contact they need to play and not ask for raises and holds out.
I think he would be lucky to get franchise tagged. That’s a lot of money for an aging and declining receiver who will be coming off missing half of the previous two seasons.
Idk when NFL players will learn to take the up front guaranteed money. It’s better to be franchise tagged twice then sign a 4 year deal. Kirk Cousins really did pave the way for how it should be done. Le’Veon Bell, not so much.
Get on the field….taking up a roster spot on my fantasy team.
Booooooooo!
Lol
He would be lucky to be tagged, he’s old and hurt a lot, there’s no long term deal coming.
I would be on board giving him a 3 year deal with a premium contract …. but nothing any longer
If they do 4 yr deal with around 40M guaranteed that should do it. They (NFL) aren’t going to give a 31 yr old receiver with injury history anything more. What’s his market? Teams want him now bc its contact year, no more guaranteed money.
He should be able to get a 4 Yr. / $60M offer from someone, with about 1/2 of it guaranteed. I’d also assume there will be some incentives in the deal for # of games played, etc.. given his recent injury history.
The franchise tag is the only reason I could think of why Cincy didn’t trade him at the deadline.
There’re some really good WRs in the 2020 Draft and Cincy should’ve at least tried to trade AJ for some picks.
… unless they’re not going to grab a QB with their first pick?
*shrug*
never mind … pass the popcorn
Why does AJ Green want to play for that putrid franchise?