Will the Bengals extend A.J. Green or be forced to franchise tag him?

The Cincinnati Bengals were the worst team in the AFC last season, winning just two games with their second coming in the season’s finale.

But, it wasn’t necessarily the Bengals’ skill that was lacking. While at full strength they may not have been the best AFC North’s top team, they could’ve at least competed with the Browns and Steelers.

Much of their struggles came on the offensive side of the ball. Andy Dalton wasn’t great, Joe Mixon wasn’t great for much of the season and the Bengals just couldn’t move the chains.

The absence of A.J. Green was one huge reason for their struggle. The 6-foot-4, 31-year-old Green has missed over five games in three of the last four seasons, missing all 2019 with an ankle injury he sustained in the preseason.

That said, Green, a free agent, is primed for a new contract. If he doesn't get the long-term contract he’d like, the Bengals may be forced to franchise tag Green which may be a lose-lose for Green and the organization.

If it came down to the franchise tag, the Bengals would be looking at $16.787 million (2019 franchise tag amount for wide receivers) or more to retain Green. And that would still leave concern that Green leaves the team the following offseason if the two sides can’t come to terms on a contract.

Green is a seven-time Pro Bowler and has six seasons of 1,000-plus yards. He’s truly a star in the league, but he’s certainly not worth the money if he can’t stay on the field. With Cincinnati as his only NFL home, the Bengals certainly aren’t wanting him to head elsewhere.

Now, it’s time to vote. Do you think that Green and the Bengals will come to an agreement, or will it come down the Bengals franchise tagging their star receiver?