Would the Bengals consider trading A.J. Green?

Let the A.J. Green trade speculation begin

CINCINNATI — It didn't take long for analysts to speculate about A.J. Green's future with the Bengals. 

Cincinnati didn't sign the star wide receiver to a long-term extension before Wednesday's 4 p.m. deadline, which means he'll make $17.9 million on the franchise tag this season.

Some have mentioned the possibility of the Bengals potentially rescinding the tag, but that's just downright silly and isn't going to happen. 

That doesn't mean it's going to be smooth sailing for Green and the Bengals. The seven-time Pro Bowler has plenty of options now that the two sides haven't agreed to a long-term deal. 

He could skip all of training camp and sign his franchise tender before the Bengals' Week 1 matchup against the Chargers. He would still make his full $17.9 million salary in that scenario. 

He could also skip up to eight games without pay, which means Green wouldn't have to report to the team until Week 10 ahead of the Bengals matchup against the Steelers. He could report then, sign his tender and still accrue a full season. That would put him in position to be a free agent next offseason. 

That may not be a likely scenario, but it is one of his options. 

The Bengals have a few decisions to make as well. Obviously they didn't want to commit long-term money to Green. The soon to be 32-year-old wide receiver has missed 29 of a possible 64 games over the past four seasons. 

Cincinnati could see what he has left in the tank in 2020, which is the most-likely option. They could also field trade offers for the former fourth-overall pick.  

Dieter Kurtenbach believes the San Francisco 49ers should pursue a trade for Green. 

He believes a day two draft pick, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas and offensive tackle Tom Compton could be enough to complete a deal. 

The trade speculation is just beginning. There are going to be plenty of columnists and reporters suggesting the team they cover should make a run at Green if he reports to camp on time, looks healthy and plays well to start the season. 

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Green because they want him to be a part of the Joe Burrow era in Cincinnati. Unfortunately, injury concerns and COVID-19 got in the way of a long-term deal, but that doesn't mean they have to trade him anytime soon. 

If Green suits up in black and orange this season and plays well with Burrow under center, the team could still sign him to an extension before he becomes a free agent. Negotiations can begin the day after the 2020 regular season ends. 

If that didn't work out, they could always use the franchise tag for a second-straight year. Green would make an estimated $21.48 million if he was tagged again. 

At the very least, it would give the Bengals more time to get a long-term deal done. 

Mike Brown clearly wants to see how Green fares with Burrow at quarterback. The franchise tag will give both sides time to see if they want to make another commitment to one another. 

The trade speculation is just beginning, but the Bengals hope Green plays well enough to remain in their long-term plans.