Tyler Eifert’s contract incentives in 2018

The Cincinnati Bengals have retained tight end Tyler Eifert on a one-year incentive-based deal. Here is what it looks like.

There is no doubt that Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert is one of the top names at his position. The issue at hand is whether he can stay healthy. Eifert has yet to stay healthy for a full season since being drafted by the Bengals in the first round of the 2013 draft. The Bengals brought Eifert back on a one-year incentive-based deal worth up to $8.5 million.

It’s a great deal for the Bengals as they are getting top talent at the tight end position and only having to guarantee $3 million to do so. How many other tight ends can you name with 13 touchdowns in one season? There’s only one and his name is Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots in 2011.

It was rumored that the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers were both interested in the Pro Bowl tight end but he decided to stay with the Bengals and test his health on a one-year deal. Eifert wants to give Cincinnati more than what he has been able to give over the last five years.

"“I knew where I wanted to be,” Eifert said. “It’s a place I called home for five years. I like the guys in the locker room. I love the coaches. The fans have been great. The way I left it, it’s not the way I wanted to leave it. I felt like I owed it to Mr. (Mike) Brown, Coach (Marvin) Lewis and the fans to come back and give them a good year.”"

The Bengals without having to throw away money if Eifert gets hurt, get a top talent that is driven to prove himself. There is nothing more dangerous than a player trying to prove he’s worth more money and a long-term deal.

Next: Bengals draft prospect: Justin Reid

Eifert’s contract is broken down into incentives based on catches, yards, and touchdowns. The better he plays, the more money he makes. It’s very similar to the deal the Bengals gave linebacker Vontaze Burfict last September. Keeping a star talent but without the huge loss of money if the player is hurt or suspended. This is a great team friendly deal and if Eifert can stay healthy for a full season and stay productive for Cincinnati, well, we have seen what that looks like in 2015. He is possibly the key to the success of the offense.