$43 Million Free Agent May Sign with Top NFC Contender

$43 million free agent and former Cincinnati Bengal wide receiver, Tyler Boyd may sign with top NFC contender Minnesota Vikings this offseason. According to a source, the Vikings still have questions about the receiver position, fueling rumors of a Boyd signing. They may have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison but there is uncertainty about their future due to contract issues that could arise. Jefferson is still waiting for a new deal and there is speculation that a blockbuster trade may happen.

According to a rumor, two sides are initiating contact but the talks aren’t going further with the Vikings. It shouldn’t be out of the question if Minnesota adds a veteran wideout before the new year starts. The former 2016 second-rounder earned a four-year, $43 million contract extension in 2019 after a breakout year, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the 11th highest-graded receiver with an 84.2 receiving grade that season.

Boyd was consistent despite the emergence of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Pittsburgh product averaged 67 receptions and 752.3 receiving yards for three consecutive years. Many free-agent wideouts are still available among Odell Beckham Jr., Hunter Renfrow, Zay Jones and Michael Thomas. Adding Boyd isn’t going to contribute to overnight success for an offense but offers an upgrade for teams.

Minnesota is entering a new era with a new starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy for the first time in six years. This means the cap savings from Kirk Cousins’ release were beneficial to the team for numerous free-agent signings. However, the job isn’t finished as they need to lock in a long-term deal with their best receiver, Jefferson. A two-year deal would be fitting for the Vikings who may be entering a new deal with Jefferson as the highest-paid receiver in the league.

$43 Million Free Agent Tyler Boyd May Sign with Top NFC Contender Minnesota Vikings

Boyd is visiting some NFL teams

Boyd has been active this week after the 2024 NFL Draft concludes which leaves many teams to sign whichever veteran they want. This is the time for teams across the league to try out veterans like Jarvis Landry and potentially sign them to a deal. The Pittsburgh product visited with the Los Angeles Chargers this week and plans to meet with the Titans. This shows that multiple AFC teams are reportedly showing interest in the veteran wideout as they’re looking to add depth.

The market should be cooking up again since the draft is over and expect more teams to schedule a visit with the receiver. Chase and Higgins have been overshadowing Boyd but he gets to explore other teams. However, there was a drop in his production in 2023 with 67 catches for 667 yards with two touchdowns. This is because the Bengals didn’t have starting quarterback Joe Burrow for the final seven games.

If Boyd lands with a team that gives him the reps and a healthy quarterback then he still has a lot to provide for an offense. He’s already a proven talent who can help either team after the visits. Wherever he lands, he’ll likely receive a significant role. Here are some other potential team fits for Boyd.

Team Fits for Boyd

The New Orleans Saints seem like the fit that could take a swing to bring Boyd for a visit. The Saints were able to draft a receiver but that was until the fifth round, taking Bub Means. It would be beneficial for the roster to consider someone like Boyd to fill the veteran loss of Michael Thomas. Derek Carr isn’t going to find immediate success with just Chris Olave and Means as their two receivers.

The Ravens are another spot regardless if they were able to extend Rashod Bateman’s contract. The last thing that Baltimore wants is to have too much workload on Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews like last season. Boyd could fill Beckham’s shoes as a proven wideout for Lamar Jackson. One final landing destination would be the reigning Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. So any receiver gets in their receiver is bound to explode. This could be the case with Boyd since Rashee Rice will likely miss half of the upcoming season.