Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is the best free agent wide receiver left on the open market. While he’s no longer the 1,000-yard player he was back in 2018 and 2019, the former second-round pick can still be a reliable chain-mover in the right scheme. Last year, the wideout recorded 67 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns despite playing behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins while catching passes from Jake Browning and an injured Joe Burrow.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, are looking for another wide receiver. While they’re reportedly exploring big-name trades, they were connected to Tyler Boyd early in the free agent process. After trading away Diontae Johnson, the team needs a player capable of quickly getting open off the line of scrimmage and complementing the big-play nature of George Pickens. Boyd fits this role to a tee and, as a bonus, spent his high school and college years in the Pittsburgh area.
However, despite the open interest between player and team, the Steelers are reportedly “highly unlikely” to sign Tyler Boyd as a free agent, according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic.
Steelers Unlikely To Sign Free Agent Tyler Boyd, Other Teams Interested
While Tyler Boyd and the Steelers are a perfect fit on paper, Kaboly highlights a few major hurdles in the free agent process. The biggest issue is the money, as the team reportedly isn’t willing to meet Boyd’s asking price. Seeing as multiple teams are fighting for his services, another team will likely outbid the Steelers for the wide receiver.
Money isn’t the only issue, however, as Tyler Boyd reportedly wants a multi-year deal as a free agent. The Steelers, understandably, are somewhat apprehensive about making a multi-year commitment in a wide receiver entering his age-30 season. Boyd is a fine complementary player, but Kaboly’s report implies that other teams are willing to pay him to be something he isn’t.
So, if the Steelers are out on Tyler Boyd, then which teams are in the running to sign him as a free agent?
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey will help the Chargers offense, but the rookie cannot singlehandedly fix this depth chart. This team needs at least one more reliable starter, and DJ Chark does not count. Justin Herbert is one of the best in the game, but nobody can win games without support. The duo of Ladd McConkey and Tyler Boyd isn’t quite the 2007 Patriots, but the free agent can give Herbert something to work with.
Tennessee Titans
For better or worse, the Titans will find out what Will Levis can do in 2024. Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins can win on the outside, but the team could use a free agent slot receiver like Tyler Boyd. Adding Boyd with the two receivers and the revamped offensive line will give Levis a legitimate shot to succeed in 2024. Now, it’s up to the former second-round pick to prove he can be a franchise quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs
If everything goes right, the Chiefs won’t need a free agent like Tyler Boyd. However, Marquise Brown is in his first season with the club, Xavier Worthy is a rookie, and Rashee Rice will face some type of suspension. This is a high-risk, high-reward group of wide receivers who could use the stability of a proven veteran like Boyd. If nothing else, he will keep Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore off the field.
Baltimore Ravens
Odell Beckham is a Dolphin, which means the Ravens need another wide receiver. Rookie Devontez Walker isn’t a natural fit for Beckham’s role, so the team could use a veteran free agent like Tyler Boyd. While Beckham had a considerably higher peak, the present-day versions of the two are similar players. With Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers firmly entrenched as the top two options, Boyd can slide into a depth role and provide a much-needed third option on passing plays.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints might not have the money to sign Tyler Boyd as a free agent. However, if they continue to manipulate the salary cap, he’d be a perfect fit for this offense. Boyd is at his best in the short part of the field and is a natural fit for the Michael Thomas role in this offense. While he’ll never come close to matching Thomas at his peak, the wideout could easily match and exceed his 2023 production.
Main Photo: Cara Owsley – USA Today Sports
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