Pro Football Focus Weighs in on A.J. Green Contract Situation
The highly respected network, Pro Football Focus, believes the Cincinnati Bengals should re-sign A.J. Green to a long term deal.
The off-season that lies ahead contains many question marks and uncertainty for the Cincinnati Bengals. Perhaps no bigger mystery remains than what the future between the franchise and star wide receiver A.J. Green holds.
Green has repeatedly said he prefers to work out a long term extension to remain in The Queen City and director of player personnel Duke Tobin echoed that sentiment at the Senior Bowl. Still, the two sides seem far apart on a deal for the time being.
There is certainly debate among the football world as to what the best course of action would be for the team. Keeping the stellar wideout from Georgia gives the next franchise quarterback an elite target and safety net.
On the other hand, tagging Green and attempting to get something in return on the trade market may be better in the long run, although that doesn’t fit the front office’s MO.
Other’s believe placing the $18 million franchise tag on Green, letting him play out the year, and attempting to work out an agreement later is the best option of all. Essentially, it buys the front office more time to evaluate how the former Bulldog has bounced back from injury.
The analytic titans, Pro Football Focus, believe the best course of action is to re-sign the 31-year-old to a 3 year, $50 million contract with $18 million guaranteed saying,
"“He’s a full-fledged No. 1 wide receiver who has the skill set to win at every level of the field…Sure, there are injury risks, and his age is a factor. At just $18 million guaranteed, though, some of those concerns are lightened. He’s one of the best deep threats in the NFL, one of the best red-zone weapons in the NFL, and he wins with regularity in contested-catch situations. Green is worth the money.”"
It’s hard to argue with that statement. Green has proved time and again that he is a premier weapon in the NFL when healthy.
Keep an eye on the amount of guaranteed money the franchise offers the star wideout. If they can keep it close to that $18 million mark, it will essentially be the same as the franchise tag, meaning they can cut ties with the same financial ramifications after this season, should Green take a step back.
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The situation looks to only get more intense from here on out, with the franchise tag window opening on March 10th and the deadline for the two sides to come to a long term agreement falling on July 15th.