AJ Green on Arizona Cardinals: 'this place was a perfect place for me'
The AJ Green return may be an underrated storyline heading into the 2021 NFL season. After 10 years with the Bengals the 33-year old made the decision to leave the team that drafted him fourth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft and explore free agency.
Green, who is coming off his worst statistical season in 2020 with just 47 receptions for 523 yards and two touchdowns, signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals back in March. The deal was worth $8.5 million, with $6 million guaranteed. It’s obvious the seven-time Pro Bowler is betting on himself, hoping to thrive in the Cardinals’ explosive offense which would set the former Georgia Bulldogs star up for a major payday.
AJ Green on why he chose the Arizona Cardinals
“You were a free agent, you could have went anywhere in the league, what made this place so special?” NFL Network analyst Willie McGinist said in a recent conversation with the new Arizona receiver.
Green didn’t hesitate in responding. It was about finding an offense where he believes he can showcase his skillset.
“For me it was all about the system,” Green said. “Last year was a pretty tough year for me mentally, so coming out, I was looking for a place that fit what I’m good at. I feel like this place was a perfect fit for me.”
While it’s still early, Green has made a strong early impression.
We don’t have a firm indication on where Cardinals’ head coach Kliff Kingsbury plans to use his new weapon, but a quick glance at the roster makes the No. 2 wideout spot a logical option, with Christian Kirk and Andy Isabella having the bulk of their experience in the slot.
AJ Green on why he chose the Arizona Cardinals
“When you have K1 back there (Kyler Murray) and DHop (Deandre Hopkins) on the other side, you already know what he can do,” Green responded. “Then you got Kirk in the slot, so I felt like this system was perfect for me and what I’m used to running. The first week of camp I was having fun out here, I feel like I’m getting a grasp on things. Coach Cliff is an unbelievable player’s coach. I’m having fun.”
Typically, NFL players perform the best when they enjoy where they are, and while nothing is guaranteed, Green’s revamped passion has caught the eyes of the people who matter. Second-year quarterback Kyler Murray raved about Green in an article posted on the official team website in June.
“I expect A.J. to have a big year,” Murray said. “I know a lot of people are sleeping on him. I know a lot of things have been said about him maybe not being able to do it anymore. … I’m glad he’s on the team.”
It’s easy to see why the former Bengals star was frustrated in Cincinnati last season. Green, who had cemented himself as one of the league’s dominant No. 1 receivers for so many years, was a victim of a franchise turning toward youth offensively as it attempts to reignite the franchise. The Bengals brass selected former Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins with the 33rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, right behind their first-round selection of quarterback Joe Burrow.
Green, who has exuded humility throughout the duration of his career, quietly attempted to carve his role in the high-powered Bengals’ offense, but Higgins was the obvious go-to pass catcher and developed instant chemistry with Burrow. Surprisingly, Tyler Boyd led the Bengals in targets (110) and receptions (79), though he played one less game than Higgins and Green.
Green hauled in just 47 receptions on 110 targets, but Higgins’ 908 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns made Green the aging third wideout on a team loaded with young, explosive talent.
Nothing is for certain, but Green sounds like a man on a mission, and everyone associated with the Cardinals’ franchise appears to be all-in on their new acquisition. Arizona was already an explosive offense, so it should be fun to see how the team evolves with Green wearing red and white.