Could A.J. Green soon join the bevy of young superstar receivers with a new mega contract?
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that talks between the Bengals and Green have ramped up significantly over the past few days, as the sides try to hammer out a deal before the start of the 2015 season, according to two sources involved in the situation.
The 27-year-old wideout enters the final year of a rookie deal that is scheduled to pay $10.18 million.
Green is the next wideout in line for a massive contract extension after watching Julio Jones, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and T.Y. Hilton all receive fresh deals. Jones, Bryant and Thomas all signed similar $70 million-plus contracts. Given that he's last in line to eat, Green could end up seeing a deal that slightly eclipses the trio.
The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher has put up more than 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first four NFL seasons and compiled 35 touchdown receptions. Green displays the speed and route running to stress defenses and the playmaking ability to create mismatches that change how coordinators attack the Bengals' offense. As evidenced by last season's playoff loss, when Andy Dalton's go-to target isn't in the lineup, the whole product gets mucked.
Whenever any debate about the 'best receiver in the NFL' comes up, Green's name should absolutely be in the discussion. He could soon get the new contract that comes along with that production.
