Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is among the most proven pass-catchers still available in free agency. The 29-year-old should intrigue NFL teams that require more reliable options in the passing game as a role-specific slot receiver.
The epitome of consistency, Boyd has produced 600-plus receiving yards in every season since entering the league in 2016 minus an injury-shortened 2017 sophomore campaign. This past season, Boyd totaled 67 targets for 667 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He averaged a chain-moving 10 yards per catch and owns an 11.7 career yards per reception career average.
The relationship between the Bengals and Boyd has run its course, but Boyd still has plenty to offer an NFL offense. We've identified three potential fits for Boyd in free agency.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings are well-stocked at the pass-catching positions with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson qualifying as a high-level trio. I do believe there's room for a slot receiver to complete the quartet. K.J. Osborn played a part-time role in the slot last season and has since joined the New England Patriots. Boyd could rival players like Trent Sherfield for that position.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is expected to make a play for a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels in the draft. The best way to support a rookie signal caller is to ensure there are plenty of playmakers in place. Boyd, who is probably best suited as a third or fourth option nowadays, is also familiar with Kevin O'Connell's offense after both O'Connell and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor worked under Sean McVay.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Just because the Raiders released Hunter Renfrow doesn't mean they don't value slot receivers. Cutting ties with Renfrow saved them nearly $9 million against the 2024 cap. Boyd would cost significantly less, meaning Raiders general manager Tom Telesco possesses an opportunity to do shrewd business by replacing Renfrow with Boyd.
Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew will start at quarterback for the Raiders next season. Neither are well-suited to push the ball vertically with consistency. A receiver that wins underneath like Boyd would be valuable in this offense. Jakobi Meyers is opposite Davante Adams. I'd like to see a veteran receiver like Boyd push Tre Tucker for playing time.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Boyd visited the Steelers approximately one week ago. There's mutual interest, but the two sides reportedly couldn't agree on a price tag. The Steelers are wisely slow-playing Boyd's market. The longer he remains available, the fewer potential suitors there are, meaning Boyd may have to settle for whatever Pittsburgh is offering.
The Steelers remain in win-now mode after signing Russell Wilson at quarterback. They also traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, leaving George Pickens at receiver and not much else. Van Jefferson may play opposite Pickens. Calvin Austin III was once drafted to play the slot but hasn't quite developed into an every-down contributor. Wilson would appreciate having another vet like Boyd at his disposal.
