Patriots fans won’t like Bengals coach’s comments on A.J. Green rumors

Cincinnati Bengals star A.J. Green has been the subject of trade speculation with the NFL trade deadline set for Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. ET, but his head coach, Zac Taylor, was adamant Thursday when speaking to reporters that the veteran wide receiver won't be dealt.

Zac Taylor on A.J. Green: “I’ve heard the speculation. We are not trading that guy.” Taylor DEFINITIVE that Green will not be dealt. #Bengals
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 10, 2019

The smart move for the Bengals would be to trade Green for a draft pick (or some other compensation) before he's able to leave the team in free agency after the 2019 season. Green is in the final year of his contract, and with the Bengals likely headed for a rebuild/retool period, it doesn't make much sense for him to re-sign with the franchise.

A.J. Green responds to trade rumors>>>

The 31-year-old veteran has never played beyond the Wild Card round of the AFC playoffs, so if he values winning, a move to a contender is the right play.

Injuries limited Green to just nine games in 2018 and he's missed all of this season through Week 5 as well. Before the 2018 campaign, Green played a full 16-game slate in four of the previous six seasons. He's also been one of the league's most productive wideouts, tallying 1000-plus yards in six seasons and a total of 63 touchdowns in his eight-year career.

The New England Patriots are among the contending teams that could use additional depth at wide receiver, particularly with Phillip Dorsett picking up a hamstring injury in Week 5 that will keep him out of Thursday night's game versus the New York Giants. Veteran wide receivers Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon also have been banged up at various points this summer and into the regular season.