Bengals sign Tyler Boyd to 4-year extension

The Cincinnati Bengals are signing Tyler Boyd to a four-year extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Getting Boyd extended was one of the Bengals’ biggest goals this offseason, and they ultimately got it done right before training camp begins last this weekend.

A former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by way of the Pittsburgh Panthers, Boyd was entering the final year of his rookie season. He has repeatedly said this offseason that he wanted to sign an extension with the Bengals, and both parties get what they want before Day 1 of training camp.

After a solid rookie season, Boyd endured an injury-plagued 2017 season that did end on a high note when he caught the game-winning touchdown to knock the Ravens out of the playoffs in Week 17.

That proved to be the start of something special, as Boyd would go on to have a breakout 2018 season in which he caught 76 passes for 1,028 yards and seven scores in just 14 games (missed final 2 games due to sprained knee).

Whether A.J. Green was in the lineup or out with an injury, Boyd consistently put up big numbers on a weekly basises, something that receivers have had a tough time doing in Cincinnati when Green is healthy and getting most of the focus.

Boyd actually pointed to the extension that the Giants gave wide receiver Sterling Shepard for a starting point. That was for $41 million over four years, so it’s essentially the same deal Boyd gets.

With Boyd now taken care of, the Bengals turn their focus to A.J. Green, who is also entering a contract year. Green figures to command a new deal paying him around $12-15 million annually. It’s rare for NFL teams to pay two wide receivers $10+ million, but the Boyd/Green duo is more than worthy of it, so I’d expect Green to get extended before he becomes a free agent.