2016 NFL Free Agency Profile: A.J. Green

Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals should thank their lucky stars that Dez Bryant is doing what he’s doing down in Dallas over his contract situation. It’s pulling all of the attention away from the fact that their own superstar, A.J. Green is also set to enter 2016 NFL free agency.

Age: 26
329 catches
4,874 yards
35 touchdowns
4x Pro Bowler

There are a few things to keep in mind regarding the Green situation. Last season goes down as his worst in the NFL. He finished with career lows in yards (1,041) and touchdowns (6) while also fumbling three times over the course of the year. Compounding that concern was the fact he missed three games due to a nagging toe injury that dogged him all season. That was why he missed the playoff game in Indianapolis.

The good news is signs indicate he’s fully recovered.

A healthy A.J. Green is having the "best spring of his career." https://t.co/DfGNofNyxb
— BENGALS TALK 🗣 (@BengalsTalk) June 6, 2015

What becomes the issue moving forward for the Bengals is the same with any young star who is approaching his first free agency. Just how high will the price go? They could play it by ear, perhaps waiting to see if Green struggles somewhat like he did last season. It would bring his dollar amount down to something a little more team-friendly. Then again what if he returns to form and posts his fifth-straight Pro Bowl campaign?

Safe to say the dollar signs would be buzzing the air like mosquitoes.

So really Cincinnati would be better served trying to get something done sooner than later. Sure, the price will be steep regardless but given the risk they run by waiting and with Green’s track record it’s the more responsible decision to lock him up at even a slight discount.

Thankfully for the team, they are healthy in their salary cap. As it stands they have over $18 million at their disposal this season. By next year, depending on where the ceiling is they could have $48 million or more.

In other words, unless A.J. Green makes an unexpected decision to force his way out of town he’ll be back in orange and black long-term.

Likeliest Outcome: Re-signs before end of regular season

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