The Kansas City Chiefs’ route to winning back-to-back Super Bowls was not simple. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback, won his third Super Bowl MVP title despite having receivers who led the league in drops.
Looking ahead to next season, Mahomes is already talking about a three-peat, so Kansas City will need to enhance at wide out. Rashee Rice is a developing star for Kansas City, and the team may select another young player in the 2024 NFL draft.
However, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz thinks that “the Chiefs will add a veteran possession receiver to their struggling receiving corps by signing free agent Tyler Boyd away from the rival Bengals.”
According to Spotrac.com, Boyd’s market value is $26 million for a three-year contract. However, Boyd may be ready to accept less money if it means catching Mahomes’ passes.
In an ideal situation, the Bengals would keep Boyd in Cincinnati. However, with quarterback Joe Burrow signing a record-breaking 5-year, $275 million contract and Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins’ contracts approaching, it may not be doable.
The 29-year-old receiver amassed more than 1,000 yards in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Even when the Bengals selected Chase and Higgins, which dropped him down the depth chart, he remained an important member of their offence. Boyd had 125 receptions for 1,429 yards and 7 touchdowns in the previous two seasons.
Tyler Boyd seems unsure of his future. With the Bengals.
Back in Week 17, the Chiefs defeated the Bengals 25-17 at Arrowhead Stadium. While Kansas City won their seventh consecutive AFC West title and the third seed in the playoffs, they also eliminated the Bengals from playoff contention.
Boyd, who has been with the Bengals since being picked in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, said the loss was bittersweet. After a meaningless Week 18 win over the Cleveland Browns, the veteran appeared to realize he might have played his final home game in a Bengals jersey.
“I’m just glad to be part of such a prestigious team,” Boyd told SB Nation. “Seeing where I started and how it finished is just crazy. You started really low and weren’t good enough. I remained around, continuing to fight, create plays, and support my teammates.
“My squad received different players, and we improved. Make a run to the Super Bowl and win the AFC Championship. It has been an accomplishment with which I have always desired to live my life. Now that I’m at this stage in my life, I’m not sure what will happen.”
If the pay cap prevents Boyd from extending his career with Burrow, having Mahomes as his quarterback appears to be the best alternative.
Tyler Boyd Was Dubbed ‘The Most Overqualified No.3 Receiver’ by an Analyst
If Boyd enters free agency, he is projected to get a lot of attention. On February 5, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine wrote: “Boyd continues to be one of the most overqualified No. 3 receivers in the league.” Last season, he had 67 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns.
Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus feels Boyd could end up with either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Tennessee Titans.
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