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Steelers' Best Offer To Tyler Boyd Revealed That Pittsburgh Didn’t Think He Was Worth Much
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the bold move to trade away Diontae Johnson, sparking speculation that they were poised to make a significant splash in the wide receiver free agency market. However, as of yet, such a move has not materialized.

Among the numerous names swirling in connection to the Steelers, the most probable candidate appeared to be Tyler Boyd, the free agent wide receiver from the Cincinnati Bengals. Many anticipated that Boyd, a local talent who grew up near the Steelers' home field and played college football at Pitt, would be making a triumphant return home. However, despite these expectations, negotiations failed to yield any successful deals.

Andrew Fillipponi took to his social media platform on Tuesday to reveal the contract details that the Steelers had offered Boyd. However, he did not disclose the source of this information.

If these reports hold true, they shed significant light on why the Steelers and Boyd couldn't come to terms on a deal. Rumors circulated that there were conflicting opinions within the organization regarding the appropriate price to secure Boyd's services. It appears that the offer of $10 million for two years fell short of Boyd's expectations.

Boyd's tenure of eight seasons with the Bengals has been marked by remarkable productivity, especially considering his role as a wide receiver three. Despite playing alongside standout receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Boyd remained a consistent and reliable target. Throughout his time with the Bengals, he has amassed an impressive 513 receptions for 6,000 yards and notched 31 touchdowns.

Interestingly, Boyd's relationship with his hometown team, the Steelers, has been far from amicable during his tenure with the Bengals. Known for his trash talk and rivalry with the Steelers, Boyd's potential move to Pittsburgh was met with excitement among fans. The prospect of snatching a division rival from their own rivals added an extra layer of intrigue. However, with the lackluster offer on the table, it appears that the two parties are at a significant crossroads, highlighting the complexities of negotiations in the world of professional sports.

The inability of other teams to seal a deal with Boyd suggests that perhaps the market for his services wasn't as robust as initially anticipated. This scenario mirrors a recent example involving Justin Fields, where initial market expectations were high, but the actual interest failed to match up. It's a classic case of supply and demand dynamics at play. Recognizing this trend, Omar Khan exercised patience, waiting for the market to adjust before securing a more favorable deal to bring Fields to Pittsburgh.

It's conceivable that Khan is employing a similar strategy in Boyd's case. With ample time for Boyd to test the market, the Steelers might consider re-entering negotiations with a slightly improved offer. The addition of Boyd would be significant, given his ability to challenge defenders and his similarity to Johnson in terms of running crisp routes and serving as a reliable target, particularly in crucial short-yardage situations.

Steelers Likely To Take Shots In 2024 NFL Draft At WR

The upcoming 2024 draft presents an intriguing opportunity for the Steelers to address their needs at the wide receiver position. With a loaded draft class brimming with talent, similar to when they selected George Pickens, the Steelers could potentially unearth a gem in the second round—a player with immense talent poised to make an immediate impact in his rookie season.

In the event that the Steelers fail to secure Boyd or another wide receiver in the market, they are almost certain to turn to the draft in pursuit of finding a starting-caliber wide receiver. While this strategy carries its risks, the abundance of talent available in the draft makes it a viable option. By selecting a player on a rookie contract, the Steelers can circumvent immediate financial commitments while also having the opportunity to develop the player within their system.

The anticipation surrounding the 2024 draft is palpable, with Steeler Nation eagerly awaiting to see how the team navigates this pivotal opportunity to bolster their roster.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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