Cincinnati Bengals wise to lock up wide receiver Tyler Boyd

The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly locked up wide receiver Tyler Boyd on a four-year contract extension. It was an obvious, but necessary move for the team.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cincinnati Bengals have signed wide receiver Tyler Boyd to a four-year, $43 million contract extension. Boyd, who was in the final year of his rookie contract, is now under contract with the Bengals through the 2023 season.

Boyd was one of the only bright spots for the Bengals in 2018 during an ugly 6-10 season. In 14 games, Boyd finished the year with 76 receptions for 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns. The 2018 season was the breakout year that Boyd needed and the Bengals locked him in a year before he hit free agency.

Boyd is an extremely smooth and consistent receiver who can make an impact both out of the slot and as an outside receiver. He does not have elite physical tools, but he has enough speed and quickness to create separation in many situations. Boyd is also a gifted route runner who changes speeds and directions extremely well and consistently catches the ball in the air.

The Cincinnati Bengals are likely a rebuilding team going forward, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Under new head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals’ offense is going to look a lot different going forward. With his performance last season, Boyd proved that he can lead this offense going forward.

Obviously, the Bengals are going to have to figure out their quarterback situation. Andy Dalton is the unquestioned starter for 2019, but he is an average starting quarterback, at best. Plus, he is only under contract through the 2020 season and the Bengals can move on from him without any cap implications at any time.

Simply put, we will likely see a new franchise quarterback in Cincinnati as soon as next season. Right now, the Bengals need to be working towards putting their future franchise quarterback in a position to succeed. The process started with the selection of left tackle Jonah Williams and it continued when they locked up Boyd on Tuesday.

When it comes down to it, Boyd is a clear bright spot on a relatively uninspiring Bengals’ offense. Signing him to a contract extension to lead the Bengals’ offense going forward was undoubtedly the right move to make.