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Anything causing the NFL to push back offseason points like free agency, the draft and offseason programs normally wouldn’t be that big of an ordeal.
But that may not apply to the Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver A.J. Green.
While the offseason is long and drawn out as it is and a push back wouldn’t be too terrible for most scenarios, it could end up conflicting with the current deadline to extend tagged stars — July 15.
A note from Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com:
“It might be moot if teams cancel their off-season programs because of the coronavirus, but Green and the Bengals may see the issue differently. The Bengals would like to see Green and gauge his health so they’ll know if they can enter into a long-term deal by July 15. More to come and, like everything else, uncertainty reigns.”
Readers can see where this is going.
Green has missed 23 of his last 24 games, including all of last season. Due to this and the collective bargaining negotiations leaving things up in the air, he’s going to get the franchise tag.
Should the league push back offseason workouts but not change the deadline for extending tagged players, the Bengals could end up flying blind. Green missed all of last season after injuring himself on the first day of training camp and repeatedly flirted with returning. The tag is going to cost roughly $18 million — a long-term extension will cost even more over a number of years.
And Green himself has made it clear he won’t be happy with the tag. He’ll play under it, yes, but if he’s disgruntled the year after he could end up leaving.
This isn’t a typical problem for most teams right now. It’s not a fault of the Bengals either. Arguably the best player on their roster will be 32 years old in July and can’t stay healthy while also qualifying for top-tier money at a time he’s perfectly positioned to help along a rookie by the name of Joe Burrow.
What to do? The Bengals need proof Green won’t suffer another setback before that July deadline. Circumstances outside of football could make things messy.
So while the start of free agency and the draft are in the spotlight right now, just keep in mind the Green situation could be about to get all the more complicated in the background.
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