A.J. Green signs franchise tender with Bengals for $18.2M

A.J. Green signed his franchise tender with Cincinnati.

Joe Burrow hasn’t signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, yet. The No. 1 overall pick out of LSU got a present — bonus? — Friday when the team’s top wideout, A.J. Green signed his franchise tender for $18.2M.

Green missed the entire 2019 season due to injuries.

“A.J. is one of the best receivers in the NFL,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. “He’s an important part of our plans, and we’re thrilled to have him in the fold from Day 1. We’re looking forward to the impact of his talent and leadership on our offense this season.”

Green, who earned appearances in seven straight Pro Bowls to begin his career (2011-17), stands as the only NFL WR since the 1970 merger to start his career with seven consecutive nominations. Those seven Pro Bowl selections are third in team history behind DT Geno Atkins (eight) and HOF OT Anthony Munoz (11).

Green was a first-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2011. He has 602 receptions and 8,907 receiving yards. He has 10 games with at least 150 yards and one TD, which are the most among active NFL players entering 2020.

Green, who earned appearances in seven straight Pro Bowls to begin his career (2011-17), stands as the only NFL WR since the 1970 merger to start his career with seven consecutive nominations.

The team released a statement:

“From the day that he joined our organization nine years ago, A.J. Green has been an outstanding player and a class act,” said Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn. “We are pleased that he will be part of the team this year, starting with the first practice. By signing, A.J. puts himself and the team in the best position to have a great season together, and we look forward to the opportunity at the end of the season to discuss keeping him here long-term. He has been an integral part of our team, and we expect this year that he will be the same impact player he has always been.”