The Cincinnati Bengals and four year veteran wideout Tyler Boyd have agreed to a four-year $43 million contract extension per Ian Rapoport. Boyd is coming off a breakout year in 2018. Now, he is locked in as the future of Cincinnati’s wide receiver position.
Bengals nation should be filled with joy after hearing this news today. Locking up Boyd to a new long term deal should shift the focus to fellow star wideout A.J. Green. Green is entering the last year of his current contract and similar to Julio Jones, he would probably like to be extended sooner rather than later. Bengals brass has the opportunity and cap space to give Green a generous contract extension.
There is a saying “no time like the present”. The Bengals should find common ground with their seven time Pro Bowler and secure this deal quickly before Green has a chance to change his tune about wanting to stay in stripes.
Green is currently second on the Bengals all-time receptions, yards, and touchdown catch lists behind Chad Johnson. The soon to be 31-year-old receiver is still a top ten pass catcher in the NFL. Of course, the 2011 first round pick has dealt with occasional injuries, but he is still one of the best receiving threats in football.
Green and Boyd make up one of the best receiving duos around. If both are extended for the long term, it will allow this offense to remain dangerous. Whether Andy Dalton, Ryan Finley, or a 2020 draft pick is the long term answer at quarterback, having two stud receivers is a huge asset. There is not much to bank on when it comes to the future of the Bengals. Boyd is a great start. However, as we inch closer to the start of the NFL season, Bengals fans are on Green Watch until further notice.