New England Patriots News: A.J. Green hopes dashed due to franchise tag
Any hopes of A.J. Green joining the New England Patriots via free agency were dashed due to the franchise tag.
Which big name wide receiver will the New England Patriots bring in to bolster their wide receiver group?
Well, apparently the Cincinnati Bengals are making sure their veteran star receiver A.J. Green will not be in the mix.
According to a report on Sunday, sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler that the Bengals are planning to franchise tag the All-Pro receiver who will enter the 2020 NFL season at the age of 32 and coming off a season-ending injury.
The Bengals currently plan to franchise tag wide receiver A.J. Green, as they want him in Cincinnati in 2020 either through the tag or a longer deal, sources told @DanGrazianoESPN and me. A good selling point for the team's No. 1 pick.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 1, 2020
The tag is reportedly worth an estimated $18.5 million and would give the team until July 15 to reach a deal. Either A.J. Green will play under that tag or reach a long-term deal which would just about guarantee he play out his careen in a Bengals’ uniform.
Why would a team on the rebuild lock-up a player entering the downside of his NFL career?
If the team is looking to draft top NFL quarterback prospect Joe Burrow, a veteran receiver like A.J. Green would certainly help ease him in and help his transaction as Burrow has said himself.
"“I think with any rookie quarterback, the more help you can get, the better, and A.J.’s been one of the best players at his position for a very long time,” Burrow said, as transcribed by ESPN."
This commitment by the Cincinnati Bengals should put any rumors of the Patriots acquiring the star via free agency to rest. It should also put to rest any trade options, as to acquire the star under the franchise tag would take yielding two first round picks.
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Folks, Bill Belichick is not doing that for a receiver on the other side of 30.
While this is great news for Bengals fans, it should also be considered a blessing in disguise for Patriots fans.
A player like A.J. Green and what he brings to the field in both production and leadership is obviously an asset, but the New England Patriots need youth at that position. If they are going to spend the money, a player like Amari Cooper would be the top option.
If they were going to trade draft picks to bring in a stud receiver, an Odell Beckham Jr. or Stefon Diggs are younger options who would make an immediate impact on the field and would also be enticing pieces to draw Tom Brady back on a home discount deal.
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At least now the Patriots can focus their attention on Plan B, C or D, if A.J. Green was in their sights as Plan A.
Let’s really hope that wasn’t the case.