NFL Trade Rumors: A.J. Green Deal to Jets 'Highly, Highly Unlikely'

The New York Jets have cap space to spend this offseason and assets they could part with on the trade market as they look to improve their roster around exciting young quarterback Sam Darnold.

Improving the skill positions will be key, but according to Connor Hughes of The Athletic, one potential trade target Jets fans can likely rule out is Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green:

"I was told by a league source it is 'highly, highly unlikely' Cincinnati moves the playmaking wideout, who's in the final year of a four-year, $60 million contract signed in 2015. Bengals owner Mike Brown loves Green, and if it's up to him, he'll retire a Bengal. Green is also incredibly loyal, a source said. He has no desire to leave Cincinnati."

Green, 30, has consistently been one of the top receivers in football, though injuries limited him to just 10 games in the 2016 season and only nine games in 2018. He still caught 46 passes for 694 yards and six touchdowns, however, and has posted at least 1,000 receiving yards in six of his eight seasons.

He would be a major upgrade for the Jets, who relied on wideout Robby Anderson (50 catches for 752 yards and six touchdowns) and tight end Chris Herndon (39 receptions for 502 yards and four scores) in the passing game a season ago.

Both are solid players who will have a role with the Jets going forward, but neither is a dynamic, star receiver a young quarterback like Darnold needs. 

As for other needs on offense, Hughes reported that the Jets are "undeniably the favorite" to sign superstar running back Le'Veon Bell, while Tevin Coleman is another option the team has its sights on.

As for other receivers, Hughes reported: "Keep an eye on Donte Moncrief and Danny Amendola when the new league year begins, along with Cowboys receiver Cole Beasley."

Darnold needs weapons, and it's hard to imagine the Jets won't add some in free agency and the draft. Green just likely won't be among them.