Tyler Boyd signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared like a positive factor at first of free company. Issues do not appear as clear-cut now, nevertheless, with the previous Cincinnati Bengals receiver nonetheless unsigned.
So, what is the cause for the holdup? Cash, in keeping with Ray Fittipaldo of the Submit-Gazette. The Steelers do not know whether or not they need to pay a possible third receiver $8-$9 million per season, per the report (by way of 93.7 The Fan).
Together with the Steelers, Boyd has additionally obtained curiosity from the Chiefs and the Jets. However the Chiefs simply signed Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. The Jets lately got here to phrases with veteran Mike Williams. Within the meantime, Boyd continues to be unsigned, and the Steelers are nonetheless seeking to signal a receiver to crew up with George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and recently-acquired Van Jefferson.
Cash apart, Boyd is clearly fascinated by becoming a member of the Steelers. A Pittsburgh native who starred on the College of Pittsburgh, Boyd lately spoke about the potential of becoming a member of his hometown crew.
“You by no means know,” Boyd advised Pittsburgh Sports activities Now. “I really like Coach [Mike] Tomlin. He is most likely one of many realest dudes within the sports activities enterprise. Clearly, I performed at Pitt, and I had a whole lot of run-ins with him and talked to him nearly soccer. His persona is extra like a father determine. It is a fantastic connection, however who is aware of? Even when I do not go after this 12 months, I might do a one-year deal on the finish of my profession and possibly end up, however who is aware of.”
For probably the most half, Boyd signing with Pittsburgh is sensible. The Steelers are out there for a brand new slot receiver after parting methods with Allen Robinson II and buying and selling Dionate Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.
A former No. 1 receiver in Cincinnati, Boyd posted consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2018 and 2019. He accepted a smaller function in in 2020 when the Bengals drafted Tee Higgins within the second spherical, after which drafted Ja’Marr Chase a 12 months later with the fifth general decide.
As an alternative of complaining, Boyd embraced his new function, which in flip helped the Bengals go from one of many league’s worst groups to among the best seemingly in a single day. In 2021, he caught 67 passes for 828 yards and 5 touchdowns throughout the common season whereas serving to the Bengals attain the Tremendous Bowl. Over the previous two seasons, he caught a mixed 125 passes for 1,429 yards and 7 touchdowns.
If he indicators with Pittsburgh, Boyd will would be part of an offense that features three-time 1,000-yard operating again Najee Harris, fellow operating again Jaylen Warren, wideout George Pickens and tight finish Pat Freiermuth. The offense shall be run by Russell Wilson, who shall be backed up by Justin Fields.
The Steelers have the cash to signal Boyd, nevertheless it’s clear that they’ve a technique to their insanity with regards to how they’re utilizing their cash. Pittsburgh needs to proceed so as to add items to its roster by way of free company, which is clearly influencing their contract talks with Boyd.