Steelers' Potential Deal For Tyler Boyd Seems Dead In The Water, "Unless Something Crazy Happens"

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to find another starting wide receiver before the start of the 2024 regular season. After trading away a disgruntled Diontae Johnson, they have been left with a huge hole in the roster. While they did sign Quez Watkins and Van Jefferson, the two veterans are primarily depth pieces and are not expected to contribute at the same level as Johnson once did. 

This situation has sparked speculation about potential additions to the team's lineup. They range from drafting a receiver in the first round, to acquiring a seasoned veteran via a trade. Two of the many names that have emerged as strong contenders are Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers via trade, and Tyler Boyd from the Cincinnati Bengals via free agency, offering promising possibilities for the Steelers.

Recently, news has gone back and forth surrounding Boyd. Some media outlets report that Boyd wants too much money for the Steelers, while others say a deal is still possible. The Steelers reportedly offered him $10 million for two years, but Boyd could be waiting to see how the draft shakes out so he can weigh his options. 

Recently, Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly from The Athletic, joined the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson to share his thoughts on the upcoming draft. Kaboly expressed that he sees receiver as a top need for Pittsburgh. According to Kaboly, no single player on the current roster can fill Johnson's role across from George Pickens. Crowley asked Kaboly if he believed that the Steelers might still reach a deal with Boyd.

"I don't think so man. I think they are waiting now; I think sometime after the draft, these free agents don't count toward the compensatory picks. I can see him going someplace like Kansas City because, obviously, they need a wide receiver right now with [Rashee] Rice up in the air. Unless something crazy happens, which I don't think will, I don't think Boyd's coming here," said Kaboly.

The Steelers are well known for finding diamond-in-the-rough wide receivers like Antonio Brown. They snagged Brown in the sixth round in 2010 and turned him into one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. When they are so good at getting cheap receivers after the first day of the draft, it is hard to imagine them making a move for a big-name wide receiver in the upcoming draft, or negotiating to sign a very expensive veteran receiver. 

While Kaboly considers Boyd highly unlikely, that doesn't mean he doesn't believe they could work something out with another veteran. He just doesn't think it will be one of those big names like Aiyuk, Boyd, Tee Higgins, or Courtland Sutton.

Without that partner on the team, Kaboly feels that every defense in the NFL will double-team Pickens on every play. The veterans Pittsburgh brought on to help won't be able to make up for his lack of productivity. It doesn't matter how good Pickens is at reeling in contested catches if he is always up against two defenders. 

Steelers' George Pickens Will Have The Chance To Step Up In 2024

Since his college days at the University of Georgia, Pickens has had a reputation as a diva and a hothead. His two seasons in Pittsburgh have not cast him in a good light, especially alongside Johnson, who also displayed some childish behavior. 

Pickens displayed frustration about the offense's failure to produce and over his lack of targets. Most fans expected Johnson to step up and be a mentor for Pickens, but that never happened. Now that Johnson is gone, Pickens has nowhere to hide. He has to step up and show his teammates and the fans that he can be a positive and productive team member. He may need to act as a mentor to a rookie if the Steelers go the draft route. Either way, all eyes will be on him as the season progresses. 

What do you think the Steelers will do about acquiring another receiver? Click to comment below.

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