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Steelers Absolutely Had No Interest In Tyler Boyd His Contract Was Revealed With Titans
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Early in the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move by trading away wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This decision led many Steelers fans to speculate that the organization had a replacement in mind, orchestrated by the astute maneuvers of Omar Khan and company.

However, on Tuesday, news broke that Boyd would be joining the Tennessee Titans instead. At this point, many Steelers fans had believed that Boyd wasn't in the Steelers plans. Surprisingly, the contract he inked fell short of initial expectations, amounting to just one year and $4.5 million, contrary to what many believed Boyd's market value would command.

Steelers fans might find it frustrating that Boyd signed for a seemingly low amount, especially considering the evident need for a reliable wide receiver to complement George Pickens. Even with the addition of Roman Wilson in the third round of the draft, many Steelers faithful would have preferred a proven veteran like Boyd, known for his consistent production, particularly at such an enticing price point. It begs the question why the Steelers didn't seize the opportunity to secure his services.

Despite facing stiff competition in a crowded Bengals wide receiver room, where talents like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins commanded attention, Boyd still managed to shine. Over his eight seasons with the Bengals, he amassed an impressive 31 touchdowns, 513 receptions, and 6,000 receiving yards.

From a production standpoint, replacing Johnson with Boyd would have made a lot of sense. While Johnson may have commanded a higher salary, the statistical output between the two wasn't far off. The notable distinction lies in the contrasting fortunes of the Steelers' struggling offense and the Bengals' flourishing unit under star quarterback Joe Burrow. Nevertheless, Boyd's skill set and track record would have made him a valuable asset and potential upgrade at the wide receiver position for the Steelers.

Steelers May Have Been Upset With Tyler Boyd For His Prior Trash Talk

The Steelers and Bengals share a storied rivalry, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Boyd's narrative. Having played his college football at Pitt in the same stadium as the Steelers and hailing from Clairton, Pennsylvania, Boyd's roots run deep in the Steel City. 

However, fate led him to join one of the Steelers' biggest adversaries, and he didn't hesitate to embrace his new role, relishing any opportunity to engage in some spirited trash talk aimed at his hometown team. His outspoken remarks about the Steelers undoubtedly fueled the rivalry and left some wondering if this history played a role in the Steelers' decision-making process when it came to potential business dealings with Boyd.

As the offseason unfolds, the Steelers find themselves in need of a plan at wide receiver. While some fans hold out hope for the organization to make a move for a veteran receiver, the dwindling options in the free agency market may force their hand towards exploring trade opportunities. Despite the uncertainty, it's hard to overlook the straightforward solution that bringing in Boyd would have provided. 

The fact that the Steelers opted not to pursue him speaks volumes, sparking speculation about their level of interest and the underlying reasons behind their decision. While the exact rationale remains open to interpretation, it's clear that the Steelers' approach—or lack thereof—towards Boyd reflects a deliberate stance on their part.

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

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