Cincinnati Bengals Place Franchise Tag on Wide Receiver A.J. Green
In a decision that will shape the future of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive strategy, the team has placed the franchise tag on star wide receiver A.J. Green. The move ensures that Green, who has been with the Bengals since being drafted in 2011, will remain under contract for the 2025 season, allowing the team to continue their efforts to build around their veteran pass-catcher while simultaneously preparing for a potential long-term agreement.
Green, widely considered one of the best wide receivers of his era, has been a fixture in Cincinnati for more than a decade. The decision to use the franchise tag on Green was met with mixed reactions, but it is a strategic move that gives both the team and the player more time to assess their options while guaranteeing Green a substantial salary for the upcoming season.
The Franchise Tag: What It Means
The franchise tag is a designation used by NFL teams to retain a player who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag allows a team to keep a player for one more season, provided they agree to a salary based on the average of the top five highest-paid players at that position or 120% of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater.
By placing the tag on Green, the Bengals ensure that they retain one of the most consistent and prolific wide receivers in franchise history. Green, who has been to multiple Pro Bowls, is known for his elite route-running, incredible catching ability, and ability to make big plays in critical moments.
However, while the franchise tag guarantees Green a significant payday for the 2025 season, it also signals that the Bengals and Green’s representatives are not yet able to reach a long-term deal. The franchise tag serves as a temporary solution, and while it prevents Green from entering free agency, it also leaves open the possibility of a new contract being negotiated in the future.
Why the Bengals Made the Decision
The Bengals’ decision to place the franchise tag on Green comes as part of their larger strategy to continue to build around quarterback Joe Burrow, who has emerged as one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL. Green, despite entering the later stages of his career, is still a valuable piece of the Bengals’ offensive puzzle. While injuries have hindered his play at times over the past few seasons, Green has demonstrated that he still has the ability to be a top-tier receiver when healthy.
The Bengals have also made significant strides in rebuilding their team since Burrow’s arrival, and they know that maintaining offensive weapons like Green is critical for continuing that momentum. Burrow’s success relies heavily on having reliable targets, and Green remains one of the best in the business. Even though Green is 35 years old, his proven track record of elite play and experience makes him a key figure in Cincinnati’s pursuit of playoff contention in the coming years.
For the Bengals, placing the franchise tag on Green allows them to avoid the uncertainty of free agency while giving them the flexibility to explore options for a long-term contract. The tag also protects the Bengals from losing Green to another team, which would be devastating given his importance to their offense.
Bengals’ general manager, Duke Tobin, expressed confidence in the decision: “A.J. Green has been a cornerstone of our franchise for many years. His leadership, experience, and skill set are invaluable to our team. This franchise tag is a step in the right direction as we continue to work toward a long-term solution that benefits both A.J. and the organization.”
The Impact on A.J. Green
For Green, the franchise tag represents a mixed bag. On one hand, it guarantees him a significant salary for the 2025 season, ensuring financial security for another year. As a player who has battled injuries over the past few seasons, the tag gives Green the opportunity to prove that he can still be one of the NFL’s top receivers, which could result in a more lucrative long-term deal in the future.
However, Green may have hoped for a long-term contract extension that would secure his future with the Bengals for several more years. The franchise tag, while financially rewarding, is a one-year solution that leaves Green in a bit of limbo. He will be required to prove his health and ability on the field once again before potentially negotiating a more permanent contract.
A.J. Green has expressed his gratitude for his time in Cincinnati and his desire to remain with the Bengals for the remainder of his career. He has been open about his goals to play for a championship, and staying with the Bengals gives him the best chance to do so, particularly with the exciting core the team is building around Burrow, running back Joe Mixon, and other key offensive players.
In recent interviews, Green has hinted at wanting a new contract but also has made it clear that he is focused on helping the team win and being the best player he can be. The franchise tag essentially puts the decision in Green’s hands, as his performance in the 2025 season will go a long way in determining his long-term future with the franchise.
The Bengals’ Long-Term Outlook
While placing the franchise tag on Green is an important move in the short term, it also signals that the Bengals are aware of the evolving nature of their team and the salary cap constraints they face. With Burrow’s rookie contract coming to an end soon and several key players needing extensions, the Bengals will have to make careful decisions regarding the allocation of resources.
In addition to Green, the Bengals are expected to focus on locking up young players such as Burrow, wide receiver Tee Higgins, and tight end Hayden Hurst, all of whom have shown promise and are integral to the team’s success. The team’s ability to balance their payroll while continuing to improve their roster will play a crucial role in their ability to contend in the coming years.
The decision to place the tag on Green could also signal that the Bengals are taking a more cautious approach when it comes to investing in aging players. While Green is undeniably a talented player, the Bengals must be mindful of his age and injury history as they look to build for the future. Placing the franchise tag gives the team an opportunity to assess whether Green can still be the player he once was, or whether they need to pivot to younger alternatives.
What’s Next for A.J. Green?
The Bengals’ use of the franchise tag on Green leaves the door open for a potential long-term contract down the road. If Green performs well in 2025 and stays healthy, it’s possible that the team will look to negotiate a more permanent deal with him. However, if Green struggles or is unable to stay on the field, the Bengals could decide to move in a different direction and allow him to walk in free agency after the season.
For now, Green’s focus is undoubtedly on the upcoming season and proving that he can still be one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. If he does, he will not only solidify his place in Bengals history but also set himself up for a more lucrative contract in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to place the franchise tag on A.J. Green represents a strategic move that offers both the team and the player more time to evaluate their future together. It guarantees Green a significant salary for 2025 while keeping him in the fold as the team continues to build around their star quarterback. While the tag is a temporary measure, it keeps Green’s future in Cincinnati in the realm of possibility, depending on his performance in the upcoming season. The next few months will be critical for both Green and the Bengals as they look to make decisions that will impact the team’s future for years to come.
