Fresh off trading the troubled Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of wide receiver depth.
According to reports, a familiar name in the Pittsburgh area may be coming back home.
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports that the Steelers are interesting in signing free agent receiver Tyler Boyd.
Steelers and WR Tyler Boyd (Pitt/Clairton) have mutual interest and have had dialogue about him returning to his hometown. Nothing is imminent but there is more than just smoke with it. Steelers need a WR with Diontae Johnson traded & George Pickens only experienced WR on roster
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 13, 2024
Boyd, a native of the Pittsburgh area, has stated in the past how he’s always desired to be a Steeler and would love to finish his career in the Black and Gold.
He grew up in the nearby suburb of Clairton and later played at Heinz Field (sorry, Acrisure, I just can’t yet) as a standout for the Pitt Panthers.
Tyler Boyd, Pitt football legend. pic.twitter.com/l85M5GhZGO
— Those Guys You Know (@_TGYK) March 14, 2024
Boyd has been a productive receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals since being drafted by them in the second round of the 2016 draft.
Tyler boyd u say? pic.twitter.com/kX6VwuVmli
— KadariusCity💯 (@KadariusCity) March 14, 2024
The Steelers interest in Boyd comes on the heels of their signing of quarterback Russell Wilson, who they’ve brought in to compete with Kenny Pickett for the starting job.
"I think this is a match made in heaven… When you have a head coach that has the ability to gear his team up for whatever that presents itself and then you have a QB that has that same fire… That could be a dangerous football team."@P2 on Russell Wilson to the Steelers pic.twitter.com/Xebp9DWhJ4
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) March 14, 2024
Kaboly notes that there’s “mutual interest” between the Steelers and Boyd, making Pittsburgh the favorites to sign him.
Although, there will surely be other teams who are interested … The Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets are also said to be heavily in the mix.
The biggest hurdle in stopping Tyler Boyd to the #Steelers conversations are the #Chiefs, with a dark horse team being the Jets, per @MarkKaboly pic.twitter.com/9GcxzPNY45
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 14, 2024
Boyd’s tenure with the Bengals has seen him carve out a reputation as a reliable and versatile target, consistently making his presence felt on the field.
His familiarity with the AFC North can only be looked upon as a major plus for the Steelers.
If the Steelers don't sign Tyler Boyd in free agency, then we riot. pic.twitter.com/VgKTC1wPJU
— Billy Hartford (@BudDupreeFan) March 11, 2024
As far as the Bengals are concerned, they have to figure out what to do with Tee Higgins.
Higgins has requested a trade, although Cincinnati is under no obligation to move him. His pairing with Ja’Marr Chase is one of the deadliest in all of football.
With the return of quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals figure to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders next season.
Vonn Bell when he sees Tyler Boyd in Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/NpksD90N7c
— WHO DEY est. 2000 (@dpainclain) March 14, 2024
What are your thoughts on Boyd?
Should the Steelers sign him? … What type of contract is he deserving of?
Who will be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback in 2024: Wilson or Pickett???
