Cincinnati Bengals: 3 ways to change a negative franchise narrative
By Steve Rivera
A.J. Green is a looming issue on the horizon for 2020. He’s made it perfectly clear he isn’t thrilled about the franchise tag, and skipping various team activities and maybe even holding out during camp is something fans and the Cincinnati Bengals may yet face. With a rookie quarterback on deck, having an unhappy Green helps nothing.
It’s also something that requires a solution, and the Bengals will be heavily scrutinized with how this eventually plays out.
For Cincinnati, Green has made his position very clear. His desire for a deal that does not involve the franchise tag is well documented. The Bengals, who could have had an opportunity to move on from Green and secure draft picks, chose to stay silent at the trade deadline. That’s a decision that may cost them with a fan favorite and player who says all the right things.
He’s also effectively said what it would take to keep him in Cincinnati. It’s not complicated. Sign him to a deal that avoids the need for the franchise tag, or sign him and trade him for something valuable in return. A one year tag has all the potential to end poorly. The Bengals would be smart to avoid that scenario.
Unfortunately, the situation involving Green is the kind that feeds a negative perception. It also lends credence to the Bengals wanting to do things “on the cheap.” On this matter, Cincinnati wants to have their cake and eat it too.