A Bengal Veteran Eyes AFC North Rival
A longtime member of the Cincinnati Bengals, free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd expressed openness to joining an AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Speaking at a youth football camp in his hometown of Clairton, Pennsylvania, Boyd stated that he still has “a few more years” left to play in the NFL.
He also addressed the idea of potentially receiving a call from the Steelers. “Absolutely,” Boyd told Pittsburgh Sports Now’s Austin Bechtold regarding whether or not he’d suit up for Pittsburgh. “You know, all my family is here. I’d be able to have the majority, all of my family, be able to support me.”
Shared History with the Steelers
When asked about the possibility of joining the Steelers, Boyd referenced his time at Pittsburgh, where he trained at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, the same facility used by the Steelers. “I believe so,” he said. “I’m real cool with (head coach Mike) Tomlin. He’s always been a good person.”
“When I was at Pitt, we had a good relationship. After practice, I’d walk over there and talk to AB (Antonio Brown) and those guys, talk to Tomlin, just pick at different things where I could get better and get a feel of some guidance. He was always a great guy and we always spoke. I think we had a great friendship. But I mean, if it happens, it happens. If not, it is what it is.”
From Draft Day to Free Agency
Boyd entered the NFL in the second round of the 2016 draft. Despite his connection to Pittsburgh, he began his career with the Bengals and spent eight seasons in Cincinnati. Last year, he joined the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded 390 yards on 39 catches, the lowest production of his career since his second season. He also failed to score a touchdown for the first time.
Now 30 and turning 31 in November, Boyd remains unsigned as free agency stretches into the offseason’s latter stages and potentially the preseason. Injuries or roster shifts during training camp may influence his next opportunity.
A Logical Fit in Pittsburgh?
While nothing has been reported regarding direct interest from the Steelers, the team could be a sensible fit. Following their trade of George Pickens to the Cowboys, the Steelers have one of the most pressing needs at wide receiver. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is currently expected to work with Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek.
Though other potential additions could include names like Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, or Gabe Davis, Boyd’s return to Pittsburgh — from hometown star to division rival and possibly back — would be a compelling full-circle moment.
Boyd Waits for the Right Opportunity
Despite speculation, Boyd remains focused on preparation rather than hypotheticals. Whether he joins the Steelers or another team, he’s staying ready for when the next opportunity arises. “I know camps are starting, so within the next couple of weeks I’m gonna have more teams having more interest and I’ll go from there,” he said.
