This Broncos-Bengals Trade for AJ Green Could Actually Work
By Michael Luciano
The Cincinnati Bengals hit star wide receiver AJ Green with the franchise tag after he missed all of the nightmarish 2019 season with an injury.
While Green could theoretically return to Cincinnati to aid whichever star rookie quarterback the Bengals take high in the 2020 draft, Mike Brown could decide to move off of him in exchange for a few draft picks to accelerate their rebuild.
The #Bengals have officially placed the franchise tag on WR AJ Green, per NFL Network. Cincy made it clear early on that this was their plan. Green played only nine games in 2018 and missed all of last season with an ankle injury.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 16, 2020
Vic Fangio and the Denver Broncos should come calling if Green is made available, as they have the draft picks to get a deal done.
Denver has three third-round picks this year, as they have their own pick, the Steelers' pick thanks to the Devin Bush trade, and San Francisco's via the Emmanuel Sanders deal. The Broncos clearly don't lack the capital to pull off a trade for Green, and giving Cincinnati a Day 2 pick for Green's services seems like a pretty fair trade. When healthy, Green's play warrants more than a Day 2 selection, but his health and age has done a number on his value.
With $27 million in cap space, the Broncos can absorb Green's $17.8 million cap hit without too much trouble.
Are you surprised that the Bengals are tagging AJ Green? pic.twitter.com/fl2dyJpdEP
— MTMV Podcast Network (@MTMVSports) March 16, 2020
Denver needs to give Drew Lock some more weapons now that their quarterback situation appears to be sorted out for the time being. Adding a veteran field stretcher with sure hands in Green could help Lock make the leap from good to great.