Everything A.J. Green said about his contract, the franchise tag and holding out

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green has confirmed he won’t play in 2019 and offered a few more thoughts on his contract and a potential holdout while meeting with the media Wednesday.

Green said if the team decides to hit him with a franchise tag he wouldn’t hold out — but offseason activities wouldn’t happen.

“I wouldn’t sit out (the season), but you have to understand that the franchise tag means you’re not committed to the long term so the off-season workouts, training camp, stuff like that would be questionable,” Green said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “I don’t know about training camp, because I still have to get in football shape. Definitely not OTAs.”

Green, while noting he doesn’t have to prove anything, outlined the contract chatter, per Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer:

A.J. Green isn't asking for Julio Jones money (three years, $66M), but he does want to be paid like one of the best receivers in the NFL. Green said he believes he still has four to five elite years left. #Bengals

— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 18, 2019

Green also spoke on the future with Andy Dalton, per Jay Morrison of The Athletic:

Long quote here from #Bengals WR A.J. Green about the uncertain futures of both he and QB Andy Dalton: pic.twitter.com/UKRxlBNjX7

— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) December 18, 2019

 

The full interview, in which Green stresses he wants to stay in town:

"I want to break every record here" – A.J. Green#Bengals Locker Room | @GEICO pic.twitter.com/EznHNWwcYx

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 18, 2019