The trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Although some teams are set in stone, others are looking to make one last move to put them in a better situation. Every year, one or two Pro Bowl-caliber players hit the market. This trade season is headlined by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, A.J. Green.
The seven-time Pro Bowler has 8,907 yards to his name. He is also slowly returning to the scene after an injury. Although injured, Green is on the radars of several teams.
Head coach Zac Taylor repeatedly tells the media that Green is not on the market. However, the football world has seen many times that sometimes, some offers are just too good to refuse.
For example, the New York Giants refused to trade Odell Beckham, Jr. Yet, he is now in Cleveland playing for the Browns organization. Green is in the same boat and is possibly eager to spend time in a new environment.
So, who are the five teams eyeing AJ Green?
Baltimore Ravens
What better way to support the passing game than an actual No. 1 receiver. Quarterback Lamar Jackson can make plays on the ground. Tight end Mark Andrews also leads the team in receiving yards. Rookie receiver Marquise Brown has only been able to post average numbers after a massive first week.
A great way to open up the run game more and allow Brown to develop is pairing him up with an elite receiver.
The Ravens will not only look to make a run at the Super Bowl this season, but they can most likely lock up A.J. Green with an extension. The Ravens will be walking into 2020 with approximately $64 million in cap space, which is the 12th-most.
Chicago Bears
Mitchell Trubisky’s struggles are seen nearly every week. A massive defensive team is carrying him and his offense.
The Bears are working with two speedy receivers (Taylor Gabriel and Cordarelle Paterson), a deep possession catcher (Allen Robinson), and a sub-six-foot slot receiver (Anthony Miller). Green’s height and experience complete the receiving core and open up red zone passing plays. It also forces more attention on the receivers, leaving running back Tarik Cohen more freedom to break through.
The downside to Chicago is that they do not have a 2020 first-round pick, and they would spend all their estimated cap space on Green’s contract. It limits other options to come into Chicago and forces them to fight for the Super Bowl for only a few years.
New England Patriots
Although most NFL fans would hate to see this, it is possible. The Antonio Brown experiment failed, and the Patriots are willing to take another shot. Plus, how can the Patriots prove they are more dominant than the Chiefs and all other AFC teams?
Put Green in a Patriots uniform. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time the Bengals made a blockbuster receiver trade with New England, as Chad Ochocinco found himself in New England for a short stint after his time in Cincinnati. Green would add depth to an already deep lineup and makes a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
With rumors of Tom Brady possibly entering the market in the offseason, Green will be a crucial reason to keep Brady. The Patriots plan to have about $30 million in cap space, too. The Patriots have the money, as well as a first- and second-round pick, and other players they can send to the Bengals.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers may dial it in and push in all the chips for Green. Rodgers is currently dealing with a questionable Davante Adams, a slightly above-average receiving core, and Jimmy Graham.
The Packers can take over the NFC North if they pick up Green and wait for Adams to return. The combo provides excellent route running, yards after catch, and red zone options. Throwing in Graham and the younger receivers make the receiving core at least five deep.
Like the Patriots, defensive coordinators will have no clue how to handle all the options in the passing game. Landing Green could be the extra push to send this team to the Super Bowl.
New Orleans Saints
Most teams on a five-game winning streak do not need to move players around. However, once Brees returns, this team can compete against almost any team.
What can they get support in, though? The receiving game.
Alvin Kamara is unstoppable on the ground, but pairing Green with Michael Thomas will allow them to jump to the top duo in the league. A red zone and deep threat mixed with a receiver who states he cannot be guarded is a dangerous combo.
With the Saints sitting on approximately $26 million in cap space net season, they can lock up Green this year and for the future. The Saints have a first-round pick, too.
Prediction
Once again, with the 49ers out of the picture, there is a new favorite in the market. Although the Ravens seem to sit in the driver’s seat, it is a toss-up between two teams. Besides staying in Cincinnati, the most likely landing spots for Green is either Green Bay or New England.
Green Bay can provide either picks or young talent. New England has the assets, players, and picks, too.
2 Responses
Eagles should trade for him. Nelson Agholor is terrible.
Eagles should trade for him. Nelson Agholor is terrible.