Steelers Absolutely Haven't Made A "Hard Offer" To Bengals Tyler Boyd; Could Still Happen Soon

The Pittsburgh Steelers' pursuit of free-agent receiver Tyler Boyd might not be over. The organization reportedly offered the Clairton, Pennsylvania native a two-year deal in the $10 million range. The former Cincinnati Bengals pass-catcher is still weighing his options and will likely wait until the dust settles on the 2024 NFL Draft, before deciding on a new team. Boyd is coming off a down year but could still bring considerable value to Pittsburgh given the current lack of depth at the position. 

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on NFL Live that Boyd still has considerable interest from several teams since free agency began. He offered more insight into when a deal for the former University of Pittsburgh might happen. He thinks Pittsburgh is still in on those talks despite others reporting that the team's interest in him is not all that strong. 

"It's a situation where he's probably going to wait until after the draft and be that May 2nd option for a team that doesn't fill their need in the draft," he said. "Pittsburgh kid grew up there, Steelers have a need. They haven't made a hard offer for him yet, maybe they'll do that."    

Boyd is coming off a 2023 season where he posted modest numbers. He had 67 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games with 13 starts. His yards per target fell to a career-low 6.8. With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins taking the bulk of the work in Cincinnati, Boyd is likely looking for an opportunity to prove he can rebound and still play at a high level as he enters his 30s. 

General Manager Omar Khan traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers early in the 2024 offseason, creating uncertainty at the wide receiver position. Despite missing four games due to a hamstring injury, Johnson was still Pittsburgh's second-most-targeted receiver in 2023. He was targeted 87 times, hauling in 51 catches for 717 yards. 

George Pickens now becomes the team's unquestioned number-one receiver after he put up his first 1,000-yard season in 2023. Calvin Austin III is the only other returning contributor from the 2023 team. The speedster's main work came on special teams as a returner, but his lone touchdown catch in the regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders showcased his ability to take the top off a defense. 

Pittsburgh added intriguing depth options in free agency with Quez Watkins and Van Jefferson. Watkins, like Austin, is a speedster who can burn defensive backs with blazing speed but struggled to be a consistent option for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jefferson had his best season in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams during their run to the Super Bowl but hasn't come close to reaching the height of that campaign since. He has familiarity with new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith having spent part of last year playing for him with the Atlanta Falcons. 

Steelers Need At Receiver Could Mean Circling Back To Boyd

It seems Pittsburgh intends to find a true partner for Pickens in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh is well known for being able to draft and get production from receivers out of the draft, but as with any draft pick, it's still a gamble. Pittsburgh also has needs at center and offensive tackle that many believe will be addressed early in the draft. 

Pittsburgh needs a skilled receiver who can make an immediate impact, but their current wide receiver lineup, besides Pickens, lacks real pedigree at the NFL level. Bringing in Boyd would provide the team with a tested asset. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the cost of acquiring him and the requirements of other teams competing for him. 

Do you think Pittsburgh should keep negotiating with Boyd? Would you want him and a rookie wide receiver? Comment below!

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