Tyler Boyd has been linked to a variety of organizations this offseason. The veteran is still one of the market’s top wide receivers, but the longstanding Bengals slot presence has definitely not seen his market value rise to an acceptable level.
Boyd, who has so far been tied to the Chiefs, Jets, and his native Steelers, may have other possibilities. According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic (subscription required), the Chargers, Dolphins, Lions, and 49ers have all expressed preliminary interest in the eight-year veteran. A number of these teams still have need for the position.
The Lions had hoped to keep Josh Reynolds, but with Jameson Williams expected to blossom into a No. 2 wideout alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, a lower-level offer materialized. Reynolds then signed with the Broncos, leaving the Lions with an additional wide receiver position. Given what Reynolds signed for in Denver (two years, $9 million), his Lions offer does not appear to imply that the organization is willing to spend much money on a receiver, especially during an offseason when St. Brown might sign a top-tier agreement.
Odell Beckham Jr. has already negotiated with the Dolphins, who have made an offer. However, the former Giants sensation remains unsigned. The Dolphins are also believed to be looking for a WR3, however their plans are likely to be similar to the Lions’ due to Tyreek Hill’s market-setting contract. The team could still keep Jaylen Waddle on a low-end salary in 2024, with his soon-to-be-exercised fifth-year option keeping him to Miami until 2025, while lowering Tua Tagovailoa’s 2024 cap number ($23.2MM) slightly with an extension. This would create a wage spot for a one-year WR rental.
Given Deebo Samuel’s salary and Brandon Aiyuk’s fifth-year option, the 49ers are unlikely to spend much money on another wide receiver. The Chargers, on the other hand, make more sense given the team’s cost-cutting moves last month, which included cutting Mike Williams (now a Jet) and moving Keenan Allen to the Bears. The Bolts have been linked to a wideout at No. 5 overall, but the franchise is open to trading with that pick as the Jim Harbaugh era begins.
