Tyler Boyd‘s prolonged free agency is over. He’s packing his bags for a quick trip south.
The former Cincinnati Bengals receiver is signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans worth up to $4.5 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday, per a source.
ESPN first reported the news.
Boyd’s career in Cincinnati ended unceremoniously following a difficult final campaign with the Bengals that included a handful of uncharacteristic drops in key moments. It was a somber conclusion to an eight-year run (2016-2023) in which the University of Pittsburgh product proved to be a consistent pass catcher (save for 2023), tallying 513 catches on 753 targets for 6,000 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.
With big contracts coming up for Tee Higgins (who was franchise tagged this year) and Ja’Marr Chase — plus the start of Joe Burrow‘s lucrative extension — the Bengals knew they’d likely have to sacrifice keeping Boyd in favor of long-term financial viability. Add in the fact he posted his worst statistical season since 2017, and the decision was simple, leaving Boyd to seek employment elsewhere for the first time in his career.
Tennessee has been active in the receiver market this offseason, luring Calvin Ridley away from Jacksonville and drafting Jha’Quan Jackson in an attempt to bolster the depth chart. Now, the Titans are attempting to capitalize on Boyd’s availability by buying low on the 29-year-old receiver.
He’ll join a group that includes DeAndre Hopkins and youngster Treylon Burks, as well as the aforementioned Ridley, Jackson, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Kyle Philips. A year after struggling to piece together a competent assortment of pass catchers, Tennessee is leaving no stone unturned entering a new era under coach Brian Callahan.
Titan up
— Tyler Boyd (@boutdat_23) May 7, 2024
