Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd has been a little overlooked on the free agent market. Serving as the third option in a high-octane passing attack, the former second-round pick remains unsigned despite a strong career of productive play. In 2018 and 2019, the receiver recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons as Andy Dalton’s top option.
Of course, Boyd took a back seat once Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase came to town. Boyd isn’t as good as the two aforementioned receivers, but the three formed arguably the most complete trio in football. Now entering his age-30 season, Tyler Boyd might not have another 1,000-yard season in him, but the free agent is capable of being an 800-yard receiver without such intense target competition.
Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed like they were destined to sign Tyler Boyd as a free agent. However, a recent report by Mark Kaboly of The Athletic makes it sound like this deal might fall through. While Boyd could still end up with Pittsburgh, two other teams are reportedly making a strong push to sign him.
Some people (not all) inside Steelers not 100% on board with signing Tyler Boyd. There is still time to work things and everything is still on the table but it doesn't appear anywhere close to a sure thing like it appeared to be a week ago at this time.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 18, 2024
3 Teams Listed As Favorites In Tyler Boyd Free Agent Sweepstakes
The Pittsburgh Steelers need wide receivers, so it’s surprising to hear that some members of the organization don’t want to sign Tyler Boyd as a free agent. George Pickens can be the top option in the passing game, and Boyd is more than capable of splitting targets with tight end Pat Freiermuth. This is pure speculation, but perhaps the Steelers are worried about how Boyd’s penchant for working over the middle will mesh with Russell Wilson’s historical aversion to such routes.
The other two teams trying to sign Tyler Boyd as a free agent are the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets. Much like the Steelers, the Jets desperately need another wideout to complement Garrett Wilson. The Chiefs aren’t as desperate now that they have Marquise Brown to stretch the deep part of the field, but they could still use another option.
Chances are, the Tyler Boyd sweepstakes will heat up once Mike Williams is off the free agent market. The Steelers and Jets are two of the teams tied to the former Chargers, and Boyd could be the consolation prize for whichever team fails to sign Williams.
Of course, these three teams might be the frontrunners, but they shouldn’t be the only ones interested in signing Tyler Boyd as a free agent. There aren’t enough good wide receivers to go around, so don’t be surprised if one of these three teams ends up with the wideout.
Other Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Tyler Boyd should not be the top option in any passing attack, but he might be the best free agent option for the Los Angeles Chargers. Say what you will about Boyd’s lack of ceiling, but he’s a much better all-around football player than Quentin Johnston. Justin Herbert cannot throw and catch the ball, so Boyd could be a hyper-targeted part of this offense if he lands in Los Angeles. He’s not as good as Keenan Allen, but he could receive similar usage.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are going to draft either Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth-overall pick. Both players are more than capable of being the focal point of an offense, but that still leaves the Cardinals looking for a second receiver. While Michael Wilson showed some promise, the team should bring in a free agent like Tyler Boyd just in case the former third-round pick cannot build on his rookie season. With these pieces, a healthy Kyler Murray, and plenty of draft capital, don’t be surprised if this team makes a Wild Card birth in 2024.
Baltimore Ravens
Odell Beckham is not coming back to the Baltimore Ravens, which means the team needs to find yet another cost-effective replacement on the open market. Tyler Boyd might not be the cheapest player out there, but the Ravens should be able to come to terms with the free agent. Boyd excels at quickly getting open, and that ability will help offset the loss of all the Ravens offensive linemen.
Main Photo: Kareem Elgazzar – USA Today Sports
