Ballerific Sports: A.J. Green Thanks Demaryius Thomas – blogged by @niksofly

Last week when the NFL handed out contracts for Wednesday’s deadline, players were smiling from ear-to-ear. To wait and finally be appropriately compensated is a wonderful feeling. Many received congratulatory expressions from those close to them and around the league. However, Demaryius Thomas received a bit of gratitude from an unlikely source.  The source?  Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver, A.J. Green.

Why would Green thank Thomas?  Thomas (as well as Dez Bryant) in an indirect manner, directly affected the pay scale for Green. While Thomas and Bryant were making sure they were fairly compensated, they set the bar in terms of pay for top producing receivers.  It is no doubt Thomas and Bryant  are incredible players. Just last season, Bryant had 88 receptions and 1,320 yards. In his last three seasons Bryant has had over 1,200 yards.  Thomas tipped the scales last season with 111 receptions and 1,619 yards. His three season benchmark has been well over 1,400 yards. Great stats deserve great pay. Hence the reason A.J. Green felt the need to say “thank you” to Thomas.

Since Green’s debut in the league on 2011, the fourth overall draft pick of the 2011 Draft Class has managed to have well over 1,000 yards and over 65 receptions each season.  Green isn’t just a great receiver; he is a phenomenal receiver. He has been consistent since his rookie year whereas his aforementioned colleagues (drafted in 2010) had two developmental years.   Green’s rookie contract was a four-year deal worth $19.6 million (ALL GUARANTEED) which would have made last season the final year of Green’s contract, but the Bengals organization decided to pick the fifth year option (worth about $10 million).  The Bengals have him for a steal as of now. Since Green isn’t in any pressing need to sign a deal this season, waiting until next year in the offseason could only benefit Green. If he doesn’t sign a long-term deal (LTD) the franchise tag will pay him handsomely considering the bar has been set at a lofty place. Oh, but if Green manages to sign a LTD, no matter where he goes, if he goes (he is an asset to the Bengals and potential Hall of Famer, they would be dumb to let him go), he will break the bank (hence why Green told Thomas “thank you”). The starting point is $70 million. It could only ascend from there.

Bengals Better Have His Money!

-Niko Rose