After yet another early playoff loss, Pittsburgh Steelers supporters are anticipating significant plays from their team’s offensive line going into the offseason.
Although the team’s quarterback problems are the main focus of that expectation, they might try something different to improve the offense.
Although the squad currently features a number of really skilled pass catchers, a wide receiver from a division competitor has opened the door to a possible transfer to Pittsburgh.
Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Boyd expressed his willingness to play for Mike Tomlin on the Steelers to Dominic Campbell of Pittsburgh Sports Now.
Boyd remarked, “You never know.” “Coach Tomlin is amazing. He’s arguably one of the most genuine guys in the sports industry. Of course, I was a Pitt player, and I frequently ran into him and spoke with him exclusively about football. It’s a wonderful connection; his personality is more akin to a father figure, but who knows? Even if I decide not to continue after this year, I might still be able to finish up with a one-year deal at the end of my career.
Boyd was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where he also attended college. Now, after living in Ohio for eight years, he may attempt to go home.
Boyd’s Career in Cincinnati
Boyd was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft following a stellar collegiate career at Pitt.
He has had a successful eight years in Cincinnati since then.
Boyd has made 513 receptions for precisely 6000 yards and 31 touchdowns in the NFL.
Boyd was the centerpiece of the Bengals’ passing attack for a portion of his career during which he twice finished with more than 1000 yards.
He has been overshadowed by Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase in recent years.
Despite this, he has continued to be a reliable player, finishing the previous three seasons with at least 50 catches and 600 yards.
Unfortunately, given that they also need to work on Higgins’ contract extension, that may not be sufficient for the team to prioritize keeping him.
Boyd should have no problem finding another work if that’s the case, and it just so happens that the Steelers might have a space available for him.
An Opening in the Slot for the Steelers
The Steelers will most certainly not prioritize adding a wide receiver this offseason.
George Pickens and Dontae Johnson are currently on the team. Not only does their 2024 starting quarterback have Pat Freiermuth at tight end to throw to, but he can also catch passes.
This summer, they may take care of a lot of other requirements that they have.
Still, they will have a vacancy at receiver that they may fill with Boyd if they do wind up with some cash to spend.
Allen Robinson, who played for Pittsburgh in 2023, will be eligible for free agency.
For the Steelers, Robinson was a relatively low-risk move. All he cost them was a swap of seventh-round picks. Nor did they receive much in return from him.
As the team works to improve their offensive, Boyd would be a huge upgrade in the slot and provide them with another weapon in the passing game.
In an attempt to get the best performance out of their struggling quarterback, the Steelers may want to consider bringing Boyd back to Pennsylvania if they decide to keep Kenny Pickett at quarterback.
