Steelers Urged to Pursue Rival’s Reliable ‘Big Slot Receiver’

During the first week of NFL free agency, wide receiver Tyler Boyd of the Cincinnati Bengals was linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, a deal has not yet materialized. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, however, isn’t giving up on Boyd going back to Pittsburgh. Spielberger announced on March 28 that the Steelers were Boyd’s ideal destination on the free agent market. Spielberger observed, “Boyd is a big slot receiver with solid run-game blocking chops.” “On crucial passing downs, he performs well sitting in soft spots of zones and hardly ever drops a target.”

“But Boyd had a number of career-low performances in 2023, and Cincinnati has a lot of important financial decisions to make, so the Bengals might not be as eager to give him as much as other teams hoping to improve their middle line.”

It’s possible that Boyd, a native of Clairton, Pennsylvania, had a few low points in 2023. Nevertheless, he still managed two touchdowns and 667 receiving yards on 67 catches. The last six seasons have seen him reach at least 650 receiving yards.

The only wide receiver on the Pittsburgh 2024 roster who recorded more than 209 receiving yards in 2023 is George Pickens. Boyd has 513 receptions for 6,000 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons.

How Tyler Boyd Could Fit With the Steelers

Boyd’s blocking ability and performance as a receiver make him seem like a perfect fit for the Steelers. Boyd might take Diontae Johnson’s spot in terms of output, but he is a better stylist than the team’s 2023 slot receiver Allen Robinson. Robinson was cut by the Steelers while Johnson was exchanged for Donte Jackson, a cornerback.

Boyd was even more ideal because he went to high school roughly thirty minutes away from Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers merely need another reliable receiver on their roster, regardless of scheme or the possibility of a homecoming. Odell Beckham Jr. is the only unsigned wide receiver that Pro Football Focus listed among the top 100 free agents this offseason.

This offseason, the Steelers signed experienced receivers Quez Watkins and Van Jefferson. But last season, the combined receiving yards for the two wideouts were just 351 yards. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated on 93.7 The Fan that Jefferson and Watkins might not fit on the Steelers’ final roster.

Why Have the Steelers Not Signed Boyd?

Boyd may be a perfect fit for the Steelers. He may also want to play for his hometown team. But money appears to be an issue.

“I think the Steelers view any of these current wide receiver free agents as number threes. … I just don’t think they want to pay $8-9 million a year for a guy who’s going to be a number three,” Fittipaldo said on 93.7 The Fan.

That report was verified by Steelers Now’s Nick Farabaugh and The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly. Kaboly stated, “That signing is a longshot because the Steelers have not been willing to bump up their offer to free-agent wideout Tyler Boyd.” “Therefore, the draft appears to be the main option for replacing Johnson and identifying a credible threat to Pickens.”

The Steelers really need a receiver. But the Steelers can afford to take their time, as the NFL free agency frenzy has come to an end. They’ll probably hold off on acquiring a starting receiver until the NFL draft to reevaluate their possible need at the position.