The Cincinnati Bengals began voluntary offseason workouts earlier this week and in attendance was four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal. But it's a good sign for the Bengals to see Green show up as he is entering a contract year with no extension offer on the table. To his credit, the uncertainty of the future doesn't seem to be bothering him that much.
"I handle the part of playing. I'm not hurting for money," Green said. "I got my option. That's enough for now. I'm just focused on football. Next year will take care of itself."
Green is playing on a one-year option deal worth $10.4 million for the upcoming season. Although that sounds like a lot, most players would be worried about the lack of long-term security, especially after Green's disappointing 2014 season.
Green appeared in just 13 games and even though he posted his fourth straight 1,000 yard receiving season it was the lowest yardage and touchdown totals of his career.
"I was not out there like I need to. I was never 100 percent. I felt like I never played like I should have," Green said. "Yeah, I'm a 100 percent."
Green said that the inflamed toe that forced him to miss time last season no longer needs to be taped and is at full strength. That's good news for the Bengals, who will be happy to pay Green top dollar should he return to form. Cincy's offense suffered noticeably when Green was hampered by injury. The downfield passing game was virtually nonexistent without him.
Green's camp will likely want to top the four-year, $40 million contract Randall Cobb just got from the Green Bay Packers. Cobb is coming off a career year in which he caught 91 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, Cobb is mostly used a slot receiver whereas Green lines up outside and is more of a deep threat. In 2013 Green caught 98 passes for 1,426 yards and 11 touchdowns.
