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Steelers in Standoff With Tyler Boyd
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be at a crossroads with Tyler Boyd.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers were once believed to be the favorite for free agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd, bringing the hometown hero back to the city where he played high school and college ball. But after weeks of waiting, it appears the two sides may not be as close as once believed on a deal.
After the noise about Boyd joining the Steelers faded, the question was presented to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo. During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Fittipaldo said he believes money is creating the gap between the two sides, narrowing the chances of a signing.
"I think the Steelers view any of these current wide receiver free agents as number threes. … I just don’t think they want to pay $8-9 million a year for a guy who’s going to be a number three," Fittipaldo said.
The Athletic's Mark Kaboly doubled down on that notion, saying he also believes there is a difference in compensation when it comes to contract negotiations.
"They’re trying to wait out Tyler Boyd," Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan. “I’m not quite sure how that’s going to end up going down here. I know that he wants to get paid more than they’re offering him."
Boyd, 29, is coming off a 667-yard season with two touchdowns and has 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns throughout his career. The Steelers recently signed Van Jefferson, but with the trade of Diontae Johnson and the release of Allen Robinson, they only have three wide receivers on their roster who are expected to make the 53-man team.
They'll likely add to that list during the NFL Draft, and could still make a blockbuster trade for a wideout. But when it comes to Boyd, it appears the two sides are at a standstill with no resolution in sight.
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