For the first time in his professional career, free agent Tyler Boyd will not play for the Cincinnati Bengals. While the former second-round pick is still searching for his next team, it’s a foregone conclusion that he won’t return. As is it, the team is struggling to keep Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all under contract, so they can’t afford to add Boyd to the mix.
While Tyler Boyd is easily the least valuable of the aforementioned players, the wide receiver could still be a savvy free agent signing. The Pittsburgh product shouldn’t break the bank and he’s still capable of getting open quickly and earning a living as a possession receiver.
One team reportedly interested in signing Tyler Boyd as a free agent is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two sides have been in contact throughout the offseason, but Mark Kaboly of The Athletic notes that the Steelers aren’t willing to meet Boyd’s asking price
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Steelers remain interested in free agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd but aren’t prepared to increase their original contract offer, per @MarkKaboly
They want Boyd, but at their price. pic.twitter.com/WxrikhS52y
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 1, 2024
Steelers Remain Interested In Free Agent Tyler Boyd
Following the Diontae Johnson trade, it’s easy to see why the Steelers want to add a free agent like Tyler Boyd. George Pickens appears to have what it takes to be the top option in a passing attack, but the team could use more depth behind him.
Tyler Boyd is a good player, but Pittsburgh shouldn’t throw too much money at the free agent. Boyd’s at his best working the middle, and presumed starting quarterback Russell Wilson has historically avoided that part of the field. Additionally, the 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with wide receiver talent, so the Steelers could use that avenue to find a better and cheaper receiver.
If the Steelers don’t sign Tyler Boyd as a free agent, somebody else will. While he might not find a home until after the NFL Draft, somebody will be interested in adding another reliable set of hands to the offense, and these five teams make the most sense.
Other Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have a lot of holes to fill on their roster. The team lost just about everyone in free agency, and they shouldn’t count on re-signing Odell Beckham. Tyler Boyd and Beckham are similar players at this point in their respective careers, and the free agent could be a cost-effective replacement for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been shockingly inactive on the free agent market, and they’ll have to start bargain shopping for guys like Tyler Boyd if they want to win the NFC East in 2024. Armed with just over $6 million in cap space, the Cowboys should be able to sign the wideout without impacting their ability to sign the incoming rookie class.
Kansas City Chiefs
Even before Rashee Rice endangered lives on the road, the Chiefs could’ve used another wide receiver. Now that the second-round pick will probably miss the season, Kansas City needs to sign a free agent like Tyler Boyd. Boyd isn’t as good as Rice, but the longtime Bengal can fill the same role by moving the chains with quick targets.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers did not have the resources to get a great weapon for Bryce Young, so they’ve done the next best thing and surrounded him with multiple good options. The offensive line is no longer a liability and the wide receiver duo of Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen are a solid enough pairing. Adding Boyd to the mix won’t turn the 2024 Panthers into the 2007 New England Patriots, but this team could use a reliable third target. If Bryce Young can’t succeed in this environment, then it’s time to find someone who can.
Los Angeles Chargers
Tyler Boyd would probably be the best receiver on the Chargers depth chart, but that says more about Los Angeles than the free agent. Quentin Johnston had an atrocious rookie season, and the rest of the depth chart is comprised of journeymen and special teamers. Justin Herbert is great, but he can’t create a top-five offense all by himself. Boyd wouldn’t give the Chargers the offensive firepower to go blow-for-blow with Kansas City, but signing him would be a good first step toward building a competent depth chart.
Main Photo: Kareem Elgazzar – USA Today Sports
