Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green signed the $ 18.2 million franchise tender for the 2020 season and will report to training camp, the team announced Friday.
The Bengals used their franchise tag on Green on March 16, and the parties were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term contract before Wednesday’s deadline.
“Since the day he joined our organization nine years ago, AJ Green has been an outstanding player and a class act,” Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn said in a statement. “We are pleased that he is part of the team this year, starting with the first practice.
“By signing, AJ 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 talk about keeping him here for the long haul. He has been an integral part of our team, and we hope that this year he will be the same impact player he has always been. “
Green, who turns 32 on July 31, is fourth in the NFL with 8,907 receiving yards since joining the league as the fourth overall pick in 2011. He is the second in franchise history to receive yards and receptions. Total (602) And Third To Receive Touchdowns (63)
The seven-time Pro Bowl team has averaged 14.8 yards per catch during its nine seasons with the Bengals.
“AJ is one of the best receivers in the NFL,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. “It is an important part of our plans, and we are delighted to have him in the fold from Day 1. We are looking forward to the impact of his talent and leadership on our offense this season.”
However, since 2016, Green has missed 29 of the past 30 games due to various ailments, including multiple torn ligaments in his left ankle that forced him to lose all last season after suffering the injury during the first practice of the preseason. .
ESPN’s Ben Baby contributed to this report.
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