The Detroit Lions have already taken care of several needs in NFL free agency. However, wide receiver Tyler Boyd is becoming another potential addition for Detroit.
The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly wrote on April 2 that the Lions are one of five teams that have shown interest in Boyd.
“Boyd has at least had preliminary interest from the Chiefs, Chargers, Dolphins, Lions and 49ers,” wrote Kaboly.
The extent of the Lions' interest in the 29-year-old receiver compared to those other teams is unknown. However, one of Detroit’s biggest remaining needs is at wide receiver.
Boyd is one of the best available receiving options.
In a recent article about the top NFL free agents remaining, Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger spoke highly of Boyd’s size and reliability. said that Boyd is a large slot receiver with good blocking skills in the run game and rarely drops passes. He also knows how to position himself well in zones on important passing plays.
“Boyd is a big slot receiver with solid blocking chops in the run game,” Spielberger wrote. “He rarely ever drops a target and does well to sit in soft spots of zones on key passing downs.”
How Tyler Boyd Could Fit With the Lions
Spielberger named the Pittsburgh Steelers the best landing spot for Boyd. However, Kaboly argued that “the ship with the Steelers has sailed” with the veteran receiver.
Boyd initially expressed interest in joining the Steelers, his hometown team, at the beginning of free agency. But Kaboly reported the Steelers made Boyd an offer he wasn’t comfortable accepting. Kaboly added that “the ship with the Steelers has sailed” with Boyd.
The Lions could be a good fit for Boyd because they need a receiver to replace Josh Reynolds. The team’s No. 2 receiver in 2023, Reynolds signed a 2-year contract with the Denver Broncos.
Reynolds was second for Detroit with 40 catches, 608 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2023.
Boyd posted the lowest totals of his career last year since 2017. But he produced more than Reynolds with 67 receptions for 667 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Boyd has also experienced a far more productive career than Reynolds.
In eight NFL seasons, Boyd has recorded 513 catches, 6,000 receiving yards and 31 scores. He’s reached at least 50 catches and 650 receiving yards in each of the past six seasons.
Reynolds has never reached 650 receiving yards in his career.
Is Boyd the Right Fit for Detroit?
There’s no doubt that the Lions could use another receiver to replace Reynolds. There’s also no arguing that Boyd is one of the best available receiving options remaining.
But it’s still worth wondering if he’s the best fit for Detroit.
Boyd played more than 80% of his wide receiver snaps in the slot last season according to PFF. That’s not the type of receiver the Lions need the most.
Reynolds lined up in the slot for about 35% of his receiver snaps in 2023. In a perfect world, the Lions will add another receiver in free agency that will play outside about two-thirds of the time.
That won’t be Boyd.
The Lions already have Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond excelling in the slot. St. Brown made first-team All-Pro in 2023 while playing 55% of his offensive snaps at slot receiver.
Adding Boyd to the mix would likely mean either St. Brown playing more outside or Raymond playing fewer offensive snaps in 2024.
Wideouts Jameson Williams and Donovan Peoples-Jones may have larger responsibilities as wide receivers in the upcoming season. This could happen regardless of whether the Lions recruit Boyd.
From a productivity perspective, it makes sense for the Lions to consider Boyd. However, he may not be the best fit for their strategy, unless the team intends to adjust the roles of their other receivers this autumn.
