Cincinnati Bengals: 5 Players to Lock Up During Training Camp

Dec 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during warmups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

1. A.J. Green

A.J. Green is the face of this franchise and the best wide receiver in the AFC North. After a down season due to injury, Green seemed confident in playing out his contract to earn what will likely be an even higher contract than those of Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas if he can stay healthy in 2015. However, new reports are coming out that indicate Green’s potential willingness to sign a new contract during training camp. And Bengals fans should certainly be excited.

A.J. Green is the best player that Bengals fans have seen in quite some time; with already four Pro Bowl appearances in four seasons, despite playing with a young, middle-tier quarterback, Green is one of the league’s best receivers. The Bengals certainly hope that they can get a deal done with A.J. and Bengals fans likely share the same sentiment; he is not only the team’s best player but also someone who fans can resonate with: a smart, laid-back man who appreciates what he has and wants the best for not only himself but also for his team and for those around him. Green is someone who Cincinnati can rally behind, and the city will be rooting him on as he embarks on the rollercoaster-like task of trying to negotiate a contract with Mike Brown and company.