One of many NFL’s most dependable veterans, who performed his collegiate profession on the College of Pittsburgh, is ready to turn into a free agent after the 2023 season and he is concerned with coming again to play for his hometown group.
“You by no means know,” WR Tyler Boyd mentioned. “I really like Coach [Mike] Tomlin. He is in all probability one of many realest dudes within the sport’s enterprise. Clearly, I performed at Pitt, and I had a number of run-ins with him and talked to him nearly soccer. His character is extra like a father determine, it is an incredible connection.”
Boyd has performed each season of his eight-year profession with the Bengals. However his contract is expiring on the finish of the season and Cincinnati could half methods with him with a few different large contracts handy out.
Cash is already tight after making Joe Burrow the highest-paid quarterback within the league final offseason and two different playmakers are set to have large paydays as nicely.
WR Tee Higgins’ rookie contract is up whereas WR Ja’Marr Chase is eligible for a contract extension. If the Bengals wish to retain both, they will should pay up.
In an ideal world, Cincinnati would have the ability to maintain all three gamers. Nevertheless it appears to be like like no less than considered one of them won’t be with the group in 2024, and Boyd appears to be the early odd man out.
The Steelers may very well be the benefactors. They’re prone to transfer on from veteran WR Allen Robinson II, who had simply 280 yards and nil touchdowns this season, as they will save $10M towards the cap.
Which means Pittsburgh will want a brand new No. 3 WR to pair with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. The No. 55 choose within the 2016 NFL Draft may very well be that, posting 50-plus catches and 600-plus yards in all however one season of his NFL profession.
Nonetheless, if Boyd does decide to stick with the Bengals or go elsewhere this offseason, he nonetheless is not closing the door on returning to Pittsburgh.
“Who is aware of,” Boyd added. “Even when I do not go after this yr, I may do a one-year deal on the finish of my profession and perhaps end up, however who is aware of.”