Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2018, filling in as the first option during Pro Bowler A. J. Green’s injury struggles and showing he can be a legitimate first option on the offense. Now Boyd wants to cash in his good form from last season, hoping that Bengals are willing to spend big in order to keep him around.
During a recent chat with The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., Boyd stated that he wants to remain in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future and hopes to ink a long term deal before training camp kicks off.
“That’s what I’m saying, bruh, I want to be here,” – said Boyd. “I think they feel that and know that. In my feeling, I think it is going to be done before camp. But ain’t no telling. I’m just going to continue to keep being patient and trust the process.”
Boyd is entering the last year of his rookie contract, which will pay him just under $1 million for 2019. When asked about his expectations for the extension, the 24-year-old said that he aims to get a $40 million deal.
“I definitely look at the market and see where guys is at. A great example is Sterling Shepard. I feel like our game is kind of similar, kind of close,” – Boyd added. “He got four for $40 million. I kind of feel like I’m in that area. Hopefully, they come like that or a little bit more or around that way. I feel like my ability is worth that much. I feel like my value is that much. But I’m not going to go out there asking something crazy because I had one great year. I want to continue to show them that I can do that every single year, that I’m a 1,000-yard receiver every year.”
Tyler Boyd entered the league in 2016 as a second round pick. In his first two years as a pro, Boyd struggled with consistency and injuries, which affected both his snaps and production. In 2018, however, he managed to find his footing, starting 14 games during the regular season and having 76 receptions for 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns.
