While Antonio Brown is skipping Steelers' voluntary conditioning in search of a new contract, the Bengals have no concerns about their own star wide receiver.
Entering a contract year, A.J. Green was on hand Monday for the first day of Cincinnati's voluntary workouts.
"I handle the part of playing. I'm not hurting for money," said Green, via the team's official website. "I got my option. That's enough for now. I'm just focused on football. Next year will take care of itself."
Because Green was drafted in the top 10 picks of the first round, his fifth-year option is comparable to the transition tag at his position. That means he will earn $10.176 million for the 2015 season.
Although coach Marvin Lewis set the wheels in motion for contract talks last August, the sides have been unable to find common ground.
Green's representatives met with the Bengals as recently as the NFL Scouting Combine in February, per ESPN's Coley Harvey, but those talks bore no fruit.
That's hardly a surprise. There's no rush for Green or the Falcons' Julio Jones to sign until franchise-tagged wide receivers Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas set the market with new deals.
With the franchise tag as leverage next offseason, the Bengals are in no hurry to shell out big bucks. They might also be gun-shy after Andy Dalton, Geno Atkins and Vontaze Burfict turned in disappointing performances upon signing lucrative long-term contracts.
Green insists he's "100 percent" recovered from the toe injury that hindered him for three months.
Prior to his injury-ravaged 2014 campaign, Green posted more receptions through three seasons than any receiver in NFL history.
Whether it's next offseason or the year after, he's going to be rewarded as one of the highest-paid players at his position.
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