Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green signs franchise tender

A.J. Green signed his one-year franchise tender on Friday

CINCINNATI — Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green signed his one-year franchise tender on Friday. The veteran wide receiver will make $17.9 million in 2020. 

“From the day that he joined our organization nine years ago, A.J. 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 will be part of the team this year, starting with the first practice. By signing, A.J. 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 discuss keeping him here long-term. He has been an integral part of our team, and we expect this year that he will be the same impact player he has always been.” 

Green is the only wide receiver in NFL history to make seven straight Pro Bowls to start his career. The Bengals had until 4 p.m. Wednesday to sign him to a long-term contract. He could've waited to sign the tender, but the fact that he did it now, shows he's committed to the Bengals in 2020.

“A.J. is one of the best receivers in the NFL,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “He’s an important part of our plans, and we’re thrilled to have him in the fold from Day 1. We’re looking forward to the impact of his talent and leadership on our offense this season.” 

Green will turn 32-years-old on July 31. He missed all of last season with an ankle injury. 

He's been plagued by injuries in three of the past four years. He's missed a 29 of a possible 64 games since 2016. 

The Bengals tagged Green because they think he can still be a difference maker for rookie quarterback Joe Burrow. 

The fact that he signed the tag much earlier than he needed to is a good sign that both Green and the Bengals are on the same page.