The Cincinnati Bengals remain firm in the idea they want star wideout A.J. Green back on the field next season.
Green’s status as an impending free agent complicates matters, of course. But the organization’s stance on this front hasn’t changed, something head coach Zac Taylor once again confirmed at the Senior Bowl.
“Oh, absolutely. He’s a big priority for us,” Taylor said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Things will have to work out over the course of the spring, but we certainly plan on A.J. being in the fold next year. He’s back healthy and we know that’s a huge weapon that will certainly benefit us.”
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin has echoed the same stance in Mobile this week.
Getting a deal done isn’t as simple as talking about it though. If the two parties can’t agree on something that’s fair for both sides — which could be hard given the amount of time Green has missed over the last four seasons — then the franchise tag could be in play.
Green has made it clear the franchise tag isn’t ideal but he wouldn’t hold out into the season.
Looking ahead to the free agency and draft, it sounds like the plan is to re-up with Green, which would mean prioritizing other positions in those areas. Whether that’s via a tag or something else remains to be seen.
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