The Facts: Set to make $10.18 million in 2015 as part of his fifth-year option, Green expects to seek a new contract by season's end. He still could receive a long-term deal at some point this offseason, but even he knows that's a slim possibility right now. "I don't get into all the 'I need a contract' stuff," he said. "I'm not here for money. I'm not broke. So I'm fine. I can wait until the end of the year to get a contract, but I know that time is coming."
Diehards Line:
As ESPN.com's Coley Harvey suggests, instead of getting a new deal this summer, it is more likely one of two scenarios plays out: Either Green receives a new long-term contract at some point next year, or he gets slapped with the Bengals' franchise tag in March. The franchise-tag tender for receivers this season is just south of $13 million. Green likely would make more than that in 2016 if the Bengals offered him the tag in March. Green missed parts of six games last season because of injuries, but still reached his fourth straight Pro Bowl. He had 1,041 receiving yards and six touchdowns.