Early 2021 NFL free agency rankings: George Kittle headlines top 70 players
By Samuel Teets
24. A.J. Green, WR (Franchise Tag), Cincinnati Bengals
Green is one of the most polarizing free agent prospects in 2021. We’ll learn a lot about the former first-round pick’s NFL future and current condition from how he plays this year. I remain hopeful that the soon-to-be 32-year-old can regain some of his former glory, especially with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
Green made the Pro Bowl during each of his first seven seasons. During that time, he made 556 receptions for 8,213 yards and 57 touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries began taking a toll on Green. The former fourth overall pick only played nine games in 2018 and chose to sit out the entire 2019 season.
The Bengals have one of the best wide receiver corps on paper. Assuming Green is even a shell of his former self, Cincinnati’s offense should thrive in 2020.
23. Shaquil Barrett, OLB (Franchise Tag), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A former undrafted free agent from Colorado State, Barrett spent the first five seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos. While playing at Mile High, Barrett recorded 14 sacks and 35 quarterback hits. He wasn’t even guaranteed to start for Tampa Bay when he signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the team last spring.
Barrett became a destructive force along Tampa Bay’s defensive front. He amassed a league-leading 19.5 sacks to go along with 37 quarterback hits and six forced fumbles. The Buccaneers placed a $15.828 million franchise tag on Barrett this offseason, hoping to see if he could repeat as a Pro Bowler in 2020 before giving him a long-term deal.