NFL Rumors: Bengals FA Tyler Boyd's Landing Spots Linked to Chiefs, Jets and Steelers

Free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd is on the radar of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, with the New York Jets also a "dark horse," according to The Athletic's Mark Kaboly.

Kaboly reported Wednesday that Boyd and the Steelers had mutual interest in a deal. The 29-year-old attended Pittsburgh and is a native of Clairton, Pennsylvania, which isn't far from the Steel City.

Boyd remained a dependable slot receiver in 2023, finishing with 67 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns. His 39.2 yards per game were his fewest since 2017, but that could be partially attributable to Joe Burrow's season-ending injury while sharing an offense with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Boyd's average depth of target (6.5 yards) was his lowest on record, per Pro Football Reference, but his 68.4 percent catch rate was right in line with his career average (68.1 percent).

Although the counting stats weren't there, the consistency was for the most part. That makes Boyd a great target for teams in need of a slot wideout. He epitomizes a high-floor, low-ceiling signing.

Nobody would confuse Boyd for the second coming of Tyreek Hill in Kansas City. His reliability would be a stark contrast to a passing game plagued by dropped passes in 2023, though.

In New York, his arrival would help to atone for the underwhelming returns of Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Mecole Hardman, all of whom signed as free agents last year. Lazard is the only one still on the team.

Beyond the sentimental pull of bringing Boyd home, the Steelers are looking to replace Diontae Johnson, whom they traded to the Carolina Panthers. Boyd would be a good complement to the explosive but occasionally frustrating George Pickens.