There’s been rumors around the NFL water cooler that the Cincinnati Bengals might look to trade aging wide receiver A.J. Green as the team embarks on what promises to be a long-term rebuild.
It makes sense in that Green is 30 years old and won’t be in his prime when Cincinnati’s rebuild all comes together. Take into account regression in terms of production and recent injuries, and that’s magnified further.
But speaking at the annual NFL meeting in Arizona this week, Bengals owner Mike Brown seemed more inclined to extend the seven-time Pro Bowler.
“Oh, I think he’s (Green) a proven commodity, isn’t he? The price range for him will be something for him will be something we can figure out, will come together,” Brown said, via Fletcher Page of the Cincinnati Inquirer.
Green has one more year left on his contract and is set to count $15.2 million against the cap. Any extension prior to the 2019 season would have to include a raise from that annual figure.
At issue here is Green’s lack of production in recent seasons. He put up 46 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns in 2018. It was the second time in three seasons that Green has failed to hit the 1,000-yard plateau after reaching that total in each of his first five years.
Some think that the Bengals would be smart to get something for Green before he shows further regression. Brown and Co. obviously don’t agree.