A.J. Green: Julio's 'gotta do what he gotta do' to get new contract

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is coming to the defense of the receiver who went two spots behind him in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Green said he understands why Julio Jones stayed away from the Atlanta Falcons during organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp while reportedly seeking a new contract.

"He gotta do what he gotta do, man," Green told TMZ Sports.

"The NFL stands for 'Not For Long,' so you gotta get it while it lasts."

Green signed a four-year, $60-million extension with the Bengals in 2015, and ranks as the league's sixth highest-paid receiver with an average annual value of $15 million. Jones ranks eighth at $14.25 million and was surpassed this offseason by Sammy Watkins and Jarvis Landry.

Jones has been training with soon-to-be Hall of Famer Terrell Owens rather than working out with his NFL employer. Team management is reportedly "uneasy" about Jones' decision, but quarterback Matt Ryan expressed a lack of concern.