At 30 years old, nine-year veteran Tyler Boyd still represents a solid third option in an NFL receiver room. And after spending the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans, Boyd is on the lookout for a new team.
Most of the teams have addressed their receiver needs through free agency and the draft. Some, though, could still use some help in the passing game, and Boyd is “absolutely” interested in joining one such AFC North team.
Would Tyler Boyd Be Interested in Joining a Former Enemy in the Tough AFC North?
Before the emergence of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, Boyd was a key cog of the Cincinnati Bengals’ passing attack for over half a decade. He signed with the Titans last season after eight years in Cincinnati, and though he posted the second-lowest yards of his career, the 30-year-old still has a lot left in his tank.
While Boyd hasn’t received much interest from the teams this offseason, the Pennsylvania native was recently asked whether he’d be willing to sign with Pittsburgh in free agency.
“Absolutely,” Boyd replied. “You know, all my family is here. I’d be able to have the majority of them be able to support me.”
If the opportunity presented itself, would Tyler Boyd want to come home and play for the Steelers?
“Absolutely” pic.twitter.com/5AjNXHdbPp
— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) June 28, 2025
And as much as Boyd is interested in signing with the Steelers, the team also needs an additional receiver to give veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers every chance of ending his farewell season on a high.
The Steelers made an aggressive move during the offseason to trade for Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf. The team desperately needed some help in the receiving game and sent a second-round pick to get their guy. But then they decided to part ways with George Pickens, leaving a clear void in the room.
The Steelers do have Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson on the field. Wilson is a candidate to break out in 2025 after an injury-ravaged rookie year, but Boyd would take the pressure off of both the player and the team.
The former second-round pick brings more than veteran leadership to the table. He demonstrated consistency and durability throughout his tenure in Cincinnati. Although his lone season in Tennessee failed to produce impressive statistics, his reliability on short and intermediate routes remains his calling card.
Boyd’s career trajectory showcases his adaptability and professionalism. After being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he developed into one of the league’s most dependable slot receivers. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and create separation on crucial downs made him a favorite target for Cincinnati quarterbacks over eight seasons.
A large part of his struggles in 2024 was due to poor quarterback play in Tennessee, but that should change with Rodgers under center in Pittsburgh. Even if he can’t be a true WR2, the Steelers would still benefit from signing him to a one-year deal to maximize their chances of a deep playoff run in Rodgers only season with the franchise.