Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green sets record straight about those trade rumors

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green has seen all those trade rumors and wants to set the record straight about his future in the Queen City.

The Cincinnati Bengals have been somewhat fun to watch this year despite the poor record, as Joe Burrow looks like he’s a keeper at quarterback. However, Zac Taylor’s squad has also been the stage for A.J. Green’s regression. Green is not producing statistically, and his effort after a Burrow interception last week against the Baltimore Ravens has made some question if Green is trying to force his way out of Cincinnati.

Green has refuted claims that he wants out, claiming that Taylor and Burrow are building something “special” in Cincinnati. Green also denied that he demanded a trade on the bench in the lip-reading clip making the rounds.

AJ Green has not looked like himself this season

Green is a seven-time Pro Bowler who is second behind Chad Johnson in most Bengals franchise receiving records. However, he has played in just 14 games since 2018, and he is looking quite rusty as a result. Green has just 14 catches for 119 yards this year, as he has been leapfrogged by Tyler Boyd on the depth chart in Cincinnati.

Green’s speed is not what it was, and Burrow seems more fond of throwing to Tee Higgins in contested catch situations. If the Bengals do eventually want to get rid of Green, he is a free agent at the end of this season. This could throw a major wrench into Green’s plan to play three more seasons after 2020 and retire with Cincinnati.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable for a veteran like Green that has given so much to the Bengals to ask for a trade to a contender. However, Green is adamant that he wants to remain in Cincinnati, meaning that his poor start to the season has to be assigned to his declining physical ability rather than his heart or drive.