Over the past seven months, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to several veteran wide receivers through rumors, particularly in free agency and potential trades. One prominent early offseason rumor was the possibility of signing Tyler Boyd, a Pittsburgh native.
On April 2, Mark Kaboly reported that signing Boyd was “a long shot” due to an offer he wasn’t comfortable with. But on November 6, Kaboly added more context, explaining that a Steelers player may have opposed Boyd’s signing.
“Somebody within the organization, player-wise, pretty much stood up and said, ‘Nope, we don’t want him here.’ It wasn’t the coach; it was a player who seemed to have some influence,” Kaboly shared on 93.7 The Fan.
Kaboly did not specify which player was involved.
In addition to his Pittsburgh roots, Boyd played college football at Pitt and spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He joined the Tennessee Titans on a one-year, $2.4 million contract for the 2024 season.
Tyler Boyd’s History with the Steelers
Kaboly’s report sheds light on potential tension within the Steelers organization, especially among key players. However, it’s not difficult to see why some might not welcome Boyd.
Although he’s a Pittsburgh native, Boyd was openly critical of the Steelers during his time with Cincinnati.
In 2021, Boyd suggested that the Steelers gave up during a blowout loss to the Bengals. He also commented on cornerback Mike Hilton’s free agency discussions with Pittsburgh and made critical remarks about the Steelers’ culture during last year’s George Pickens controversy.
Boyd also said late last year that he “wasn’t a big Steelers fan” growing up.
Reflecting on Boyd’s history, Steelers Depot’s Matthew Marczi found Kaboly’s report “very plausible.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if some Steelers players, including prominent ones, didn’t want Tyler Boyd in their locker room,” Marczi wrote. “And it never really seemed like he had much interest in being here, anyway.”
Steelers Trade for WR Mike Williams
Boyd remained with the Titans past the NFL trade deadline on November 5, though it’s likely they would have moved him if offered a favorable draft pick.
With Tennessee sitting at 2-6, Boyd will enter free agency in March.
In 2024, the Steelers passed up two chances to bring Boyd into their roster but opted instead for Mike Williams. They acquired Williams from the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick on November 5, with plans for him to play alongside George Pickens in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Boyd and Williams bring different skills to the field. Boyd primarily operates from the slot, while Williams is a deep, outside target.
Given that the Steelers already have Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson as slot options, Williams likely fits better as a short-term addition to their offense.
Boyd has recorded 21 receptions for 184 yards in eight games with the Titans, averaging a career-low 8.8 yards per catch.
