The Cincinnati Bengals will place the franchise tag on former Georgia wide receiver A.J. Greene, according to ESPN.
Green, coming off a 4-year, $60 million contract, missed the 2019 season with torn ligaments in his ankle suffered during preseason.
He also missed significant portions of the 2016 and 2018 seasons and the Bengals are hesitant to sign the 31-year old South Carolina native to a long-term deal.
Drafted in the first round by the Bengals in 2011, Green’s 8,907 receiving yards rank fourth since he entered the league. His 602 receptions is second in Cincinnati history, he’s second in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns (63).
After Green’s ankle injury, the Bengals announced they will franchise Green if they can’t reach a long term deal by free agency. Green, one of the league’s most respected players responded that he will play under the franchise tag but would not participate in OTA’s and probably skip training camp as well.
The franchise tag is estimated to be worth about $18.5 million and the two sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal.
With the Bengals expected to select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the number one pick, Green would be a huge asset for the Heisman Trophy winner.