The Bills’ path to potentially landing wide receiver AJ Green took a hit on Monday. With the deadline to franchise tag players approaching, the Bengals did exactly that, tagging Green, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
It was previously expected the Bengals would do so, but what’s remained to be seen is how Green reacts to the news. Green’s tagging is the first time since 2013 the Bengals have tagged a player.
If the Bengals want to re-sign Green to longer deal, they’ll now have until July 15 to do so, or else Green will play the 2020 season on the tag. While most players don’t like the franchise tag because they want long-term contracts, Green will play for approximately $18 million next year. So he won’t be mad about that part.
While players will sometimes derail a situation once being franchise tagged, Green doesn’t seem to be that type of individual who would try to get out of it by forcing a move. However, there was some speculation that he could have returned to the field in 2019 toward the end of the season, but opted not to. He missed the entire season with foot/ ankle injuries.
In terms of the Bengals, tagging Green is likely a move for their No. 1 overall pick, which is going to be LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. Not a bad receiver for him to have. Someone Bills quarterback Josh Allen could have benefited from as well.
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