This Colts-Bengals Trade for AJ Green Could Actually Work

For the time being, AJ Green is expected to be a Cincinnati Bengal in 2020 after he was hit with the franchise tag following a 2019 season in which he played as many downs of NFL football as you and I.

Green's name is still surfacing in trade rumors given the direction that Cincinnati is headed, which should pique the interest of Chris Ballard and the Colts.

The Colts have more than enough cap space to absorb the $17.8 million hit Green's franchise tag will force them to take on, so financials will not be an obstacle to getting this deal done.

After catching just 18 passes for 127 yards last year, second-year wideout Parris Campbell is not a lock to stick around long term under Frank Reich. The St. Vincent-St. Mary star, Akron native, and Ohio State alum could see his career revitalized by joining Zac Taylor's project in Cincinnati, while a playoff contender in the Colts acquire Green in this hypothetical swap. A late-round pick might also need to be exchanged, but that would hardly be a deal-breaker.

Witch picks No. 34 and 44 in the 2020 draft, drafting another young wide receiver would allow Indianapolis to deploy Green, TY Hilton, and a promising rookie in three-wide formations.

New Colts gunslinger Philip Rivers needs wide receivers that can separate and win 50-50 jump balls down the field. Even in his advanced age and after a serious injury, Green can still check both of those boxes, making him a perfect trade target for Indianapolis.