Arizona Cardinals may have made mistake by bringing A.J. Green back

The Arizona Cardinals may have made a mistake in their attempts to squeeze another season out of wide receiver A.J. Green

When the Arizona Cardinals brought back A.J. Green on a one-year deal back in April, there were a contingent of fans who believed it was a solid move. The future Hall of Fame wideout was a pleasant surprise last year, and the Redbirds were attempting to squeeze just one more campaign out of the 34-year old Green.

That may have been nothing more than wishful thinking on the part of the Cards front office. Green has been credited with a measly five receptions through the first three contests. Kyler Murray has thrown 13 passes to the vastly-experienced wide receiver, but Green has converted just 38.5% of those targets into catches.

Those who defend Green will point to the Week 2 showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders, when the 6 foot 4, 207 pounder was on the receiving end of a crucial two-point conversion. The connection with Murray would send the game into overtime, and would ultimately lead to a 29-23 Arizona triumph.

Green has contributed very little besides that, however. Should Cardinals general manager Steve Keim have looked elsewhere when he was searching for receiving help on the free-agent market this past offseason?

Arizona Cardinals may be realizing that A.J. Green is a washed-up veteran

Wear and tear could also be becoming an issue for the aging Green. The South Carolina native exited the Cardinals’ week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams with an injured knee. Tests revealed a simple bone bruise, meaning that Green should not be sidelined for an extended period of time.

The injury to Green is just the latest issue that Arizona’s receiving corps has had to deal with. DeAndre Hopkins was suspended after testing positive for a PED, and won’t return until week 7. Rondale Moore (hamstring) and Antoine Wesley (groin/hip) have also missed the first three matchups.

It’s fair to wonder how much Green has left in the gas tank. Unfortunately for the Cards, it appears that Father Time may have finally caught up with this once-outstanding pass-catcher.