The Cincinnati Bengals will have franchise star and fan favorite A.J. Green for at least one more season.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Green signed his franchise tender with the Bengals on Friday, officially keeping him under contract for the 2020 season.
ESPN.com added that the franchise tender for Green comes in at $18.2 million.
The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Green back in March, but they were unable to reach a long-term deal before Wednesday's deadline. He is eligible to become a free agent after the 2020 season.
Green was drafted fourth overall by the Bengals in 2011. The seven-time Pro Bowler has become one of the greatest players in franchise history, guiding them to five straight playoff appearances from 2011 to 2015 - including AFC North division titles in 2013 and 2105.
The soon-to-be 32-year-old was limited to nine games in 2018, and he missed all of last season due to an ankle injury. Green had 46 catches for 694 yards and six touchdowns in 2018.
For his career, Green has 602 receptions for 8,907 yards and 63 touchdowns. He has reached the 1,000 yard mark six times throughout his career. At this point, Green is on track to earn an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Bengals have missed the postseason in four consecutive years. They're now in rebuilding mode under second-year head coach Zac Taylor and rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, who was taken with the top selection in this year's draft.
RELATED: ESPN To Release A Nine-Part "Man In The Arena" Documentary On Tom Brady
Burrow has an excellent set of playmakers to work with here in 2020: Green, two-time 1,000-yard receiver Tyler Boyd, two-time 1,000-yard rusher back Joe Mixon and other talented receivers in Auden Tate, John Ross and rookie Tee Higgins.
2020 could very well be the final season for Green in Cincinnati. They could decide to trade him at the 2020 deadline in hopes of receiving valuable draft capital, and Green might be keen on joining a championship contender.
But that's all for another day. Green will at least start out 2020 with the Bengals.
NEXT: The Boys Season 2 Teaser Shows Off Stormfront, The Seven's Newest Hero
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEq6CcoJWowW%2BvzqZmrKifp8G0ecSnq56qpJa2r7nEp6tomV2feqi%2BxJ6lZquZnLu0edOepZ2domLEqsDHZquhnV2Xsq%2BzwKWqaA%3D%3D