Cincinnati Bengals will do whatever it takes to have veteran wideout A.J. Green on the roster for the 2020 NFL season. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, Bengals will use the franchise tag on Green while simultaneously trying to work out a long-term deal with seven-times Pro Bowler.
Bengals are expected to draft quarterback Joe Burrow out of LSU in the upcoming draft with the No.1 overall pick. Given the usual growing pains that rookie QBs face, the team hopes that having a proven veteran like Green would help Burrow develop and settle into his role more quickly.
Burrow himself recently said he would like to throw passes to Green if he ends up in Cincinnati.
“I think with any rookie quarterback, the more help you can get, the better, and A.J.’s been one of the best players at his position for a very long time,” said Burrow.
Bengals and A.J. Green had discussions about his new deal during the 2019 NFL season, but the talks eventually stalled. Green, who missed the entire season with an ankle injury, was set to become a free agent in March after his four-year, $60 million contract came to an end.
During his nine years in Cincinnati, Green managed to establish himself as one of the best wideouts in the game. He made seven Pro Bowls alongside three Second-team All-Pro selections. His career stats include 602 receptions for 8,907 yards and 63 touchdowns.