Revenge Rapid Reactions: A.J. Green

RAPID REACTION: Cardinals sign A.J. Green to a 1 year deal:

Andy Kwong:

Was not overly optimistic about the AJ Green signing at first but considering the Cardinals reached an agreement with him on only a one-year deal, it is a low risk contract that’s worth it.

Turning 33 in July, Green is on the older side. He was not particularly good with the Cincinnati Bengals last season. The culmination of his age, injuries, and just learning a new offense in general could be the reasons for his struggles in 2020.

Will that be the case with the Cardinals in 2021?

Yes and No.

Green has been viewed as the No. 1 wide receiver throughout his 10 years with the Bengals. With DeAndre Hopkins in the No. 1 role, Green will have much more favorable matchups as the No. 2 on the Cardinals. That will allow Christian Kirk to play exclusively in the slot, his natural position. The key here is Green must stay healthy and no one really knows if he has anything left in the tank.

There is a reason to be optimistic but also plenty of reasons to be concerned. The one-year contract makes it low risk but potentially high rewarding if Green can get close to his All-Pro form. Green is a short-term answer at the No. 2 spot but at some point the Cardinals will need to think long term. Either way, he’s another big target for Kyler Murray to work with and more help for him will go a long way.

Blake Murphy:

Huh.

Mixed feelings on this signing...it’s good in terms of adding a large, proven wide receiver across from Deandre Hopkins. Steve Keim’s got a big name on a one year deal and it’s not like Green is Kevin White versus one of the most productive #1’s of the last decade.

The caution is that he’s had health issues and doesn’t seem to separate like he used to and there’s concern that he’s washed given how his 2020 went down.

Arizona still needs a long-term #2 but this sort of deal that could move Christian Kirk into the slot full-time and pave the way for potentially a rookie from 2022 and the future while giving Kyler a BIG outside target is a prudent move. We’ll see if it ultimately turns out to be a wise one.

Robert Ban:

I hope someone in the Front Office knows it’s 2021.

Seth Cox:

John Venerable:

It was always understood that Arizona was going to add some kind of veteran receiving option.

While there were other choices that I would have preferred (Perriman, Samuel, Fuller) the commitment to Green is a small one. This is a $6 million dollar flier for a player that will likely receive Hall of Fame votes.

Yes, his 2020 tape is rough but it’s hard to garner much from what has happened in Cincinnati. If Green can stay healthy and motivated, this gives Kyler Murray a much needed weapon on the outside opposite DeAndre Hopkins. A

At worst, he’s a quality guy to have in the red zone and the locker room.

What are your thoughts on the veteran wide receiver signing with the Cards? Sound off below!